Bangladesh anti-quota protesters set fire to state TV headquarters

19-07-14

Bangladesh anti-quota protesters set fire to state TV headquarters

Bangladesh issued a high security alert nationwide and suspended internet and mobile services on Friday after violent protests over a government job allocation scheme resulted in at least 38 deaths this week.

Summery of the news

• Bangladesh issued a nationwide high security alert and shut down internet and mobile services on Friday following violent protests over a government job allocation scheme that resulted in at least 38 deaths this week.

• Thousands of protesters stormed the headquarters of state broadcaster BTV on Thursday, vandalizing furniture, smashing windows, and setting parts of the building on fire.
• AFP reported that at least 32 people died in Thursday’s violence, adding to six fatalities earlier in the week.
• The unrest, which began last month, sharply escalated this week. Protesters, primarily students, oppose a quota system reserving 30% of government jobs for the relatives of 1971 war veterans, which they see as discriminatory.

What is main reason for the Bangladesh anti-quota protest?

The unrest began last month but intensified dramatically this week. The protesters, primarily students, are against a quota system that allocates 30 percent of government jobs to relatives of the 1971 war veterans, which they consider discriminatory.

Anti-quota protesters clash with police and Awami League supporters in the Rampura area of Dhaka.

Casualties Rise to 38, With 32 Deaths Reported on Thursday Alone

Bangladesh implemented a nationwide high security alert and cut off internet and mobile services. On Friday following violent protests against a government job allocation scheme that resulted in at least 38 deaths this week. On Thursday, thousands of protesters attacked the headquarters of state broadcaster BTV. They vandalize furniture, smashing windows, and setting parts of the building on fire. Television news channels went off air on Friday morning, and telecommunications faced severe disruptions. AFP reported that 32 people were killed in the violence on Thursday, adding to six fatalities earlier in the week.

Protests Sparked by High Court’s Reversal of 2018 Job Quota Abolition Decision

The protests began after a high court overturned a 2018 decision to eliminate job quotas. The supreme court has temporarily suspended this ruling pending an appeal, with additional discussions scheduled for Sunday.

Protesters Demand Nationwide Shutdown and Funeral Prayers Amid Escalating Unrest

The protesters have declared their intention to extend the shutdown call on Friday. They have also urged mosques across the country to hold funeral prayers for those who died in the violence. They have warned of a “complete shutdown” of transportation systems, businesses, and schools if their demands are not met. “We want a permanent executive order from the government declaring that quotas are abolished, except for those for the disabled and minorities,” said Parvez Mosharraf, a Dhaka University student, in an interview with Dawn last week.

Government Response

In response, the government shut down internet and mobile services on Friday. Social media platforms such as Facebook and WhatsApp were reportedly unavailable in the capital, Dhaka, on Friday morning.

The Economic Times reported that Ms. Hasina’s government “was compelled” to deploy the army late on Thursday to help “maintain order” amid the escalating unrest.

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