Bangladesh has been without internet for five days, and the government has declared Monday a public holiday. Authorities maintain a tight grip despite apparent calm following a court order that reduced the scope of a controversial job allocation system. This system, which sparked protests, had reserved 30% of government jobs for veterans’ relatives.
Days earlier, a curfew with a shoot-on-sight order was imposed. Military personnel can be seen patrolling the capital and other areas.
Clashes between police and mainly student protesters demanding an end to the quota system, which reserved 30% of government jobs for relatives of veterans who fought in Bangladesh’s 1971 war of independence, have occurred. According to at least four local newspapers, the violence has resulted in over a hundred deaths. Authorities have not yet released official figures for deaths.
No violence has been reported on Monday morning, following the Supreme Court’s order on Sunday to reduce the veterans’ quota to 5%. This means 93% of civil service jobs will be merit-based, with the remaining 2% reserved for ethnic minorities, transgender, and disabled individuals.
On Sunday night, some student protesters urged the government to restore internet services. Hasnat Abdullah, a coordinator of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, told the Associated Press they were withdrawing their calls for a complete shutdown, which they attempted to impose last week.
“But we are issuing an ultimatum for 48 hours to stop the digital crackdown and restore internet connectivity,” he said, adding that security officials deployed at various universities should be withdrawn, student dormitories reopened, and steps taken to ensure students can return to their campuses safely. Abdullah also stated they wanted the government to end the curfew and ensure the country returns to normalcy within two days.
Students have also demanded the resignation of some university officials for failing to protect campuses. Sarjis Alam, another coordinator of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, said they would continue their protests if their demands weren’t met. “We cannot step back from our movement like a coward,” he added.
Nahid Islam, a key organizer of the student protests, told reporters that the internet shutdown had hindered their ability to communicate, alleging that authorities were trying to create divisions among protesters. “I am mentally traumatized … our unity is being destroyed,” he said.
The US Embassy in Dhaka described the situation on Sunday as “extremely volatile” and “unpredictable,” adding that guns, tear gas, and other weapons had been used near the embassy. They mentioned the deployment of the Bangladeshi army and urged Americans to be vigilant, avoid large crowds, and reconsider travel plans.
The protests have posed the most serious challenge to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina since she won a fourth consecutive term in January elections, which were boycotted by the main opposition groups. Universities have been closed, the internet shut off, and the government has ordered people to stay at home.
Protesters argued the quota system was discriminatory, benefiting supporters of Hasina, whose Awami League party led the independence movement, and wanted it replaced by a merit-based system. Hasina has defended the quota system, stating that veterans deserve the highest respect regardless of political affiliation.
The main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party has supported the protests, vowing to organize its own demonstrations as many of its supporters joined the student-led protests.
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.