Bangladesh: Army deployed as protesters free prisoners

DHAKA: In response to escalating protests against the government job quota system in Bangladesh, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wajid’s administration deployed the army nationwide on Friday.

The decision came amidst heightened clashes between anti-quota demonstrators and authorities, including the ruling party’s student wing.

Read more: Bangladesh: Nationwide curfew declared as protests turn deadly

The government deployed the army to “assist” the civil administration as unrest spread across the country. The protests were triggered by a recent high court ruling that reinstated the 30 per cent quota for children of 1971 war veterans.

As per reports, over 105 people died so far, with Dhaka alone recording 52 fatalities.

Critics of the quota system argue for merit-based job allocations. They propose reducing the total quota from 56 per cent to just 6 per cent for minorities and people with disabilities.

The demonstrations primarily oppose government job allocations through quotas, which also include specific reservations for women and residents of certain districts.

The reinstatement of the quota system sparked renewed anger among students and activists, who view it as perpetuating inequality and favouritism in government job allocations. Protestors argue that qualifications and abilities should determine employment opportunities, rather than familial or regional ties.

Amidst the turmoil, concerns over human rights abuses and excessive use of force by authorities have also surfaced. This has drawn international attention and condemnation.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina further fueled public anger by characterising protesters as ‘volunteers,’ a term historically associated with supporters of the Pakistani army during the 1971 war.

Meanwhile, the situation worsened further as protesting students stormed a prison, reportedly freeing hundreds of fellow demonstrators. Foreign media reports indicate the unrest turned deadly, with students allegedly killing their colleagues and setting fire to the prison facility.