Bangladesh suffers fresh protests as students demand justice for killed peers: Video
Bangladesh is once again witnessing a surge of student protests, as thousands take to the streets demanding justice and reforms.
The latest wave of demonstrations began on July 31, 2024, and is aimed at getting justice for students who have been killed since June and July.
The protests were initially sparked by the government's quota system for public sector jobs. This system reserves a significant portion of positions for the children of war heroes and other specific groups, which students argue is discriminatory and undermines merit-based recruitment.
The situation escalated when peaceful demonstrators from Dhaka University were attacked by individuals believed to be affiliated with the ruling Awami League
The violence quickly spread, with reports of police using tear gas, sound grenades, and even live ammunition against protesters. By July 18, the death toll had risen to 32, with the highest number of fatalities occurring on July 19, when 75 people were killed in a single day. The government imposed a "shoot at sight" curfew and a communication blackout, further intensifying the unrest.
However, on Tuesday, July 23, the Bangladesh government announced it would comply with a Supreme Court ruling to open 93% of state jobs to competition, addressing a major student demand after a week of intense protests.
The protests have not been limited to Dhaka. Cities like Rajshahi, Sylhet, and Barishal have also seen significant unrest. The government's heavy-handed response has drawn criticism from both domestic and international observers, who accuse it of using excessive force and violating human rights.
