In a dramatic turn of events, Bangladesh plunged into chaos as clashes between police and student groups erupted, leaving dozens dead and prompting the government to impose a nationwide curfew. The violence stemmed from a new policy allocating government jobs to descendants of the country’s freedom fighters, sparking outrage and protests in the streets of Dhaka.
Protesters went on a rampage, attacking state institutions and engaging in street battles with security forces, leading to a standstill in several neighborhoods. The situation escalated as more than 150 students were injured, with reports of infighting between different groups.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, facing one of her most significant challenges in years, deployed the military to enforce the curfew as tensions continued to rise. Schools and universities were shut down, and internet services were cut off to prevent the spread of misinformation.
While Hasina defended the job quota policy as a form of compensation for families who participated in the liberation war, critics argued that it favored the ruling party and exacerbated economic hardships in the country. The Supreme Court’s intervention temporarily suspended the policy, pending a ruling on its legality.
Despite Hasina’s efforts to ease the situation and reassure the public, the unrest in Bangladesh underscores the deep-seated divisions and discontent simmering beneath the surface. As the nation awaits the court’s decision, the future of the job quota policy and the fate of those affected by the violence remain uncertain.
