5 Key Reasons Behind Bangladesh Protest

What began as peaceful student protests in Bangladesh over a government job quota system turned violent this weekend. It has turned into a major challenge against Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her Awami League party. 

As per the local media, PM Hasina has already resigned from her post and has left the country in an army helicopter along with her sister after protesters announced a march to the capital, Dhaka, following a weekend of violence with many deaths. The military of the country has imposed an indefinite curfew and authorities have cut off internet access to control the unrest.

Latest Developments in Bangladesh

Sheikh Hasina is currently in India. She will remain here till she gets a ppasage for political asylum in a third country. According to media sources Hasina is seeking asylum in United Kingdom.

Check the pointers below to know what is happening in Bangladesh Protest:

• Mass Protests and Casualties:

  • At least 300 people have died in protests that began a month ago over the civil service job quota system favoring children of war veterans.

• Supreme Court's Response:

  • The Supreme Court of Bangladesh finally scaled back the 30% reservation for descendants of freedom fighters to 5%, in order to subdue the protest, but it seemed not to be enough for the protesters to stop their violent protest.

• Demands and Political Changes:

  • Protesters demanded Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's resignation. She stepped down and fled to Agartala, India, ending her 15-year rule.

• Military's Role:

  • Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman announced the formation of an interim government and asked the president’s guidance for interim governance, till elections are conducted.

• Escalation in Protests:

  • Protestors stormed the prime minister's residence, Ganabhaban, and set fire to a vehicle inside. They also stormed Parliament, looted furniture, and attacked buildings associated with Hasina's party and family.

Why are Students Protesting in Bangladesh?

Since the 1971 Liberation War, Bangladesh has set aside 30% of civil service and public sector jobs for the descendants of those who fought for independence from Pakistan.

This quota system was introduced in 1972 by Prime Minister Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Sheikh Hasina's father. Students started a protest against the quota system in October 2018, forcing the Bangladesh government under Sheikh Haseena to abolish all quotas.

However, the High Court of Bangladesh overturned that decision in June 2024 and reinstated the quota system again after petitions from relatives of 1971 veterans. This meant that 56% of government jobs were reserved for specific groups, including children and grandchildren of freedom fighters, women, and people from disadvantaged areas. This sparked the recent protests, with students questioning why benefits were being extended to the third generation of freedom fighters and demanding a merit-based recruitment system.

Last month, the Supreme Court of Bangladesh reduced the controversial quota system for government job applicants. The court ruled that 93% of government jobs should be allocated based on merit, with only 7% reserved for the relatives of 1971 war veterans and other categories. Previously, 30% of such jobs were reserved for war veterans' relatives.

5 Key Reasons Behind Bangladesh Protest:

Check the key reasons that made the students of Bangladesh resort to violence: 

• 30% quota system for civil service jobs for the descendants of the veterans of the Bangladesh freedom fight.
• High Court’s decision to overturn Bangladesh government’s decision of abolishing the quota system.
• High rate of unemployment in the nation has been acting as fuel to this protest. Nearly 32 million young people are out of work or education in a country with a population of 170 million.
• Death of nearly 100 civilians during the clash between the students and the police.
• Sheikh Hasina's comment on the protesters calling them 'Razakars,' a term used for collaborators with the Pakistani army during the 1971 War of Independence.

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What Happened When in Bangladesh Protest: Timeline

• 1972: Quota system introduced by Prime Minister Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, reserving 30% of jobs for descendants of freedom fighters.
• October 2018: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina agrees to abolish all job reservations following student protests.
• June 2024: High Court reinstates quotas, reserving 56% of jobs for specific groups, sparking new protests on student’s end.
• July 2024: Supreme Court scales back the quota system, allocating 93% of government jobs based on merit and 7% for the relatives of 1971 war veterans and other categories.

• August 05, 2024: Sheikh Haseena resigned from the post and fled the country.

• August 05, 2024: Bangladesh army announces the formation of an interim government in the country.
• August 06, 2024: Bangladesh Army Chief asks President to form interim government.

Will Army Rule Bangladesh?

The current chief of the army of Bangladesh has shown a supportive stance towards the students protesting against the system.

Bangladesh Army chief Waker-Uz-Zaman announced plans to set up an interim government after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned.

In his speech to the nation, the army chief urged for peace and promised that all deaths related to the current unrest would be investigated and those responsible would be punished. He assured the public that the military is dedicated to restoring order and finding a resolution by tonight.

"Trust the military. We will investigate all the killings and punish those responsible," he said. "I have ordered that no army or police personnel will engage in any kind of shooting."

He also urged students to remain calm and support the military's efforts.

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