After days of violent clashes between police and protesters, Bangladesh authorities have declared a public holiday and lifted a curfew. The move comes after the Supreme Court ordered a reduction in a controversial job quota system that had sparked the unrest.
Bangladesh has declared a public holiday and lifted a curfew after days of violent protests over a controversial job quota system. The move comes after the Supreme Court ordered a reduction in the quota, which had sparked clashes between police and protesters.
Bangladesh Eases Restrictions After Protests Over Job Quota System
The Supreme Court ruling on Sunday reduced the quota for relatives of veterans from 30% to 5%. The remaining 93% of civil service jobs will now be merit-based, while 2% will be reserved for ethnic minorities, transgender and disabled people.
The quota system had sparked protests from students and other groups, who argued that it discriminated against those without family connections to veterans. The protests turned violent last week, with reports of police firing on protesters and students torching vehicles.
Bangladesh Eases Restrictions After Protests Over Job Quota System
The government responded by imposing a curfew and shutting down the internet. However, the protests continued, and on Sunday, student protesters urged the government to restore internet services and end the curfew.
The government has now declared a public holiday and lifted the curfew. Internet services are still down, but authorities have said they will be restored soon.
Bangladesh Eases Restrictions After Protests Over Job Quota System
The protests have posed the most serious challenge to Bangladesh's government since Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina won a fourth consecutive term in January elections that the main opposition groups boycotted.
Hasina has defended the quota system, saying that veterans deserve the highest respect regardless of political affiliation. However, protesters have argued that the quota system benefits supporters of Hasina's Awami League party, which led the independence movement.
Bangladesh Eases Restrictions After Protests Over Job Quota System
The main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party has backed the protests, vowing to organize its own demonstrations. The Awami League and the BNP have often accused each other of fueling political chaos and violence, most recently ahead of the country's national election, which was marred by a crackdown on several opposition figures.
Despite the easing of restrictions, protesters have vowed to continue their demonstrations until all their demands are met. They are demanding the resignation of university officials who failed to protect campuses, the reopening of student dormitories, and the end of the quota system.
The protests have highlighted the deep divisions in Bangladeshi society and the challenges facing Hasina's government. The government has pledged to address the protesters' concerns, but it remains to be seen whether it can find a solution that satisfies both sides.
