Bangladesh student protests turn deadly: The untold story behind the violence

Fresh waves of violence have erupted across Bangladesh, as the Bangladesh student protests intensify amid demands for justice and systemic reform. The unrest, which initially started in the north-eastern city of Sylhet, has rapidly spread to the capital Dhaka and other major cities, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing crisis. The demonstrations have become a focal point for broader discussions about human rights and government accountability in Bangladesh.

Historical Context of the Bangladesh Student Protests

The Bangladesh student protests are deeply rooted in the country’s complex socio-political landscape. The current unrest is a continuation of long-standing issues surrounding the quota system in civil service jobs. This system, which historically reserved a significant portion of public sector positions for veterans’ relatives from the 1971 liberation war, has faced increasing scrutiny. On July 21, the Supreme Court of Bangladesh ruled to limit these reserved positions to just 5%, a decision that was met with widespread discontent among students and civil society.

This quota system has been a controversial topic since its inception, as it was initially intended to acknowledge and reward the sacrifices made by the veterans of the Liberation War. However, many view it as a relic of a bygone era that perpetuates inequality and nepotism. The student-led movement, which has gained momentum in recent weeks, argues that recruitment should be based solely on merit, rather than on historical affiliations.

Violence and Government Response

The Bangladesh student protests have resulted in severe violence, with more than 200 people reported dead this month alone, primarily due to police gunfire. The recent clashes reached a critical point on Wednesday, as protesters, who organized a “March for Justice,” confronted police forces. The ensuing violence saw police using tear gas and batons to disperse the crowds, leading to a significant number of detentions. Nearly 10,000 individuals have been detained, highlighting the scale and severity of the crackdown.

Photos from the southern city of Barisal, shared by BBC Bangla, depict police in riot gear forcefully containing demonstrations, with many of the detained protesters being women. The demonstrators, part of the Students Against Discrimination movement, are voicing their grievances against what they perceive as mass killings, arbitrary arrests, and attacks on students and activists.

International Reactions and Implications

The government’s response to the protests has drawn criticism both domestically and internationally. The Bangladeshi authorities have attributed the unrest to opposition parties, specifically the Bangladesh Nationalist Party and Jamaat-e-Islami, accusing them of inciting violence. This stance has strained relations with the international community, particularly the European Union.

The European Union has postponed crucial talks on a new cooperation agreement aimed at strengthening economic ties with Bangladesh. EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell has condemned the excessive use of force against protesters and called for accountability for the crackdown. This postponement reflects growing concerns over the human rights situation in Bangladesh and the government’s handling of the protests.

Analysis on the Bangladesh Student Protests

The Bangladesh student protests are not just a reaction to the quota system but also a reflection of deeper issues within the country’s governance. The violent crackdown and the international response highlight the severe implications of these protests for Bangladesh’s political stability and human rights record.