• Deadly unrest over job quotas grips Bangladesh
• Schools and universities across Bangladesh have been closed indefinitely after six people died during protests
• Students are protesting against the system that reserves a portion of public sector jobs for the relatives of war heroes, women, ethnic minorities, and the disabled
• They argue the system is unfair and demand merit-based recruitment

Deadly unrest over job quotas grips Bangladesh

Schools and universities across Bangladesh have been closed indefinitely after six people died during protests over government job quotas. University students have been rallying against the system that reserves a portion of public sector jobs for the relatives of war heroes, women, ethnic minorities, and the disabled. They argue the system is unfair and demand merit-based recruitment.

Clashes erupted between supporters of the anti-quota movement and the student wing of the governing Awami League, known as the Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL). The violence saw students attacking each other with bricks and sticks, while police used tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse the crowds. Hundreds were reported injured.

▶️At least six people were killed and dozens injured as violent clashes erupted among students, police, and Bangladesh Chhatra League activists across Bangladesh over students' demands to reform the government job quota system.https://t.co/UjHnF3MUOP pic.twitter.com/HqtFUH5Kyg

— Voice of America (@VOANews) July 16, 2024

Government jobs in Bangladesh are highly sought after, and over half of these positions are reserved for specific groups. The controversy over quotas resurfaced after a court ordered their reinstatement in June, despite their previous abolition in 2018 following earlier protests. The recent violence has been attributed by the government to opposition groups infiltrating the movement.

Protests are expected to continue until the quota system is permanently removed. Students have blocked roads in major cities, bringing traffic to a standstill. The government has responded by deploying paramilitary forces in five main cities to maintain order.