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The Anti-Discrimination Student Movement in Bangladesh remains steadfast in its demands, calling for broad participation in what they term the “student-citizen uprising,” despite the risks involved. read more
 "Tensions rise in Bangladesh as students reject PM Sheikh Hasina's call for talks")
Activists take part in a protest march against Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her government to demand justice for more than 200 people killed in last month's violent demonstrations, in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Friday, Aug. 2, 2024. Image- AP
Bangladesh faced renewed tension on Saturday as student movement leaders rejected Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s offer for dialogue, while demonstrators occupied key streets in the capital. The development comes after a wave of anti-quota protests resulted in over 200 fatalities.
The country had previously seen violent confrontations between police and predominantly student protesters, who were calling for the abolition of a disputed quota system allocating 30% of government positions to relatives of 1971 war veterans.
According to eyewitnesses, protesting students blocked major Dhaka roads, causing traffic congestion. At the same time, authorities deployed security forces to maintain a heightened presence as protesters gathered at various locations across the city.
The clashes erupted over a controversial quota system that reserves 30 percent of government jobs for relatives of veterans from Bangladesh’s 1971 War of Independence. Witnesses reported that student protesters obstructed major roads in Dhaka, causing significant traffic disruptions. Authorities have ordered heightened security measures as protesters gathered at various locations in the city.
Hasina, 76, was elected for a fourth consecutive term in January in a vote boycotted by her main opponents, making the result a near certainty even before votes were counted.
Since the violence erupted on July 15, authorities have shut off the internet and enforced a shoot-on-sight curfew. Schools and universities remain closed.
Dramatic videos of deadly clashes between police and protesters have shaken Bangladesh, as has the case of a six-year-old girl who was shot while playing on a rooftop. At the same time, her father unsuccessfully tried to shield her from the firing.
The wave of discontent started with students, frustrated by shortages of good jobs, demanding an end to a quota system for government jobs that they argued was discriminatory.
Under the system, 30% of such jobs were reserved for relatives of veterans who fought in Bangladesh’s war of independence against Pakistan in 1971. They said it benefited supporters of Hasina, whose Awami League party led the independence movement, and wanted it replaced with a merit-based system.
With inputs from agencies.
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