Bangla 'Civil Servant Quota' Opposition Protest... 32 Deaths in One Day

More than 30 students died in a single day as protests against the 'Civil Servant Quota System' promoted by the Bangladesh government intensified.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

On the 19th (local time), according to the Dhaka Tribune and AFP, thousands of students gathered at major universities in the capital, Dhaka, to hold protests the day before.

The protests are taking place due to the move to introduce the 'Civil Servant Quota System for Children of Independence War Veterans.'

In 2018, the Bangladesh government promoted a policy allocating 30% of public service positions to children of participants in the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War, but it was abolished following large-scale student protests.

However, last month, the Dhaka High Court ruled that there was no problem with this policy and declared the abolition decision invalid.

Some protesters headed to the state-run Bangladesh Television (BTV), setting fire to the building related to the broadcasting station's reception and dozens of cars parked outside. The Dhaka Disaster Management Office, major police stations, and police vehicles were also targeted.

The protesters announced a 'complete blockade' of nationwide transportation except for emergency services, occupying major roads in Dhaka city and the outer highways.

They are demanding not only the abolition of the quota system but also calling Prime Minister Hasina a dictator and demanding her resignation.

Prime Minister Hasina has been in power since 2009 and secured a landslide victory in the general election held in January amid an opposition boycott, currently serving her fifth term.

The police fired rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse the protesters. Authorities responded strongly by issuing an indefinite school closure order and blocking mobile internet services.

Local media reported that more than 10 people died on the 18th alone due to clashes between anti-government protesters, police, and pro-government demonstrators.

AFP reported, based on its own tally through major hospitals, that 25 people died and 1,000 were injured and treated on the 18th alone.

The authorities have not announced the official number of casualties.

Earlier, United Nations Secretary-General Ant?nio Guterres also urged the Bangladesh government through a spokesperson to protect protesters from threats and violence.