Police imposed a strict curfew with a “shoot-on-sight” order across Bangladesh as military forces patrolled parts of the capital on Saturday after deadly clashes erupted over the allocation of civil service jobs.
The curfew, which began at midnight, was relaxed from noon to 2 p.m. for essential errands and is expected to last until 10 a.m. Sunday. The order allows officers to fire on mobs in extreme cases, according to Obaidul Quader, the general secretary of the ruling Awami League party.
Deadly Clashes and Protests
The demonstrations, primarily led by student groups, began weeks ago to protest a quota system reserving up to 30% of government jobs for relatives of veterans from Bangladesh’s 1971 war of independence. Violence erupted on Tuesday, with the Daily Prothom Alo reporting at least 103 deaths.
Friday was likely the deadliest day, with Somoy TV reporting 43 deaths and an Associated Press reporter witnessing 23 bodies at Dhaka Medical College and Hospital. On Thursday, 22 more deaths were reported as students attempted to “completely shut down” the country.
The U.S. Embassy in Dhaka reported “hundreds to possibly thousands” injured across Bangladesh, describing the situation as “extremely volatile.”
Government Response
Officials have not shared official numbers of those killed and injured. The curfew aims to quell further violence after police and protesters clashed in the streets and at university campuses in Dhaka and other cities. Authorities have blocked online communications by banning mobile and internet services. Several television news channels went off the air, and most local newspaper websites were down. Key government websites, including Bangladesh’s central bank and the prime minister’s office, were also hacked and defaced.
Local media reported that some 800 inmates fled a prison in Narsingdi, a district north of the capital, after protesters stormed the facility and set it on fire on Friday.
Underlying Issues
The chaos highlights cracks in Bangladesh’s governance and economy, as well as the frustration of youths lacking good job prospects upon graduation. The protests represent the biggest challenge to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina since she won a fourth consecutive term in January’s elections, which were boycotted by the main opposition groups.
Protesters argue the quota system is discriminatory and benefits Hasina’s supporters, saying it should be replaced with a merit-based system. Hasina has defended the quota system, arguing that veterans deserve the highest respect for their contributions in the war against Pakistan.
Negotiations and Political Implications
Representatives from both sides met late Friday in an attempt to reach a resolution. At least three student leaders were present and demanded reforms to the quota system, the reopening of student dormitories shut by police following the clashes, and the resignation of some university officials who failed to protect campuses from the violence. Law Minister Anisul Huq said the government was open to discussing their demands.
The main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has backed the protests, vowing on Friday to organize its own demonstrations as many of its supporters joined the students. The BNP denied accusations from the ruling party that it was responsible for the violence and using the protests for political gains.
In 2018, the government halted the job quotas following mass student protests. However, in June, Bangladesh’s High Court reinstated the quotas after relatives of 1971 veterans filed petitions. The Supreme Court has suspended the ruling, pending an appeal hearing, and will address the issue on Sunday.
The situation remains tense, with the government and opposition preparing for further potential conflict as the nation grapples with these deep-seated issues
