Police and security officials in Bangladesh have taken drastic measures in response to escalating protests in the capital city. The demonstrations, which began weeks ago but intensified this week, are the most significant challenge to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina since her re-election earlier this year.
The protests, initially sparked by disputes over government job allocations, turned violent with reports of 22 people killed in clashes. The chaos has underscored underlying issues in Bangladesh's governance and economy, particularly the frustration among young graduates facing a dearth of employment opportunities.
The government has deployed police and paramilitary forces to quell the unrest, resulting in clashes with protesters. Universities have suspended classes, and gatherings have been banned in the capital.
Internet and mobile services were disrupted after protesters attacked a data center, leading to a widespread outage. The protesters are demanding an end to a quota system that reserves government jobs for veterans' relatives, arguing for a merit-based system instead.
The government has defended the quota system, emphasizing the veterans' contributions to the country's independence. However, rising inflation and job scarcity have fueled discontent among the populace.
The situation has drawn international attention, with concerns raised about the government's handling of the protests and the subsequent internet shutdown. Human rights advocates have criticized the government's response, citing past instances of internet restrictions to suppress dissent.
The main opposition party has expressed solidarity with the protesters, further complicating the political landscape. The Supreme Court is set to review the job quota ruling, offering a potential resolution to the ongoing crisis.
Prime Minister Hasina has called for patience and expressed confidence in the judiciary to address the grievances of the students. The situation remains tense as the country awaits the court's decision.
