THE streets of Dhaka and other major cities in Bangladesh have been engulfed in violence and unrest as student protests against the government’s job quota system turn increasingly violent. Over the past two weeks, the capital has seen a significant escalation in tensions, with more than 400 individuals injured, and at least 32 confirmed deaths. The unrest has exposed deep societal divides and raised critical questions about Bangladesh’s political stability and social cohesion. The job quota system in Bangladesh dates back to 1972, introduced by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the founding father of the nation, to honor the children and grandchildren of those who fought in the 1971 War of Independence against Pakistan. The system was intended to provide opportunities and compensation to those who sacrificed for the country’s freedom. It reserved a significant portion of government jobs for specific groups: 30% for descendants of freedom fighters, 10% for women, 10% for candidates from backward districts, 5% for ethnic minorities, and 1% for people with physical disabilities. The remaining 44% of jobs were allocated on a merit basis.
This system aimed to ensure the welfare of the families of freedom fighters. However, over the decades, the landscape of Bangladesh’s economy and job market has drastically changed, leading to increasing frustrations among the youth who feel marginalized by the existing quota allocations. The latest wave of protests began on July 1, 2024, following a High Court decision to reinstate the 30% quota for descendants of freedom fighters, overturning a 2018 abolition of this quota by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government. This reinstatement was met with immediate backlash from students, who argue that the quota system is outdated and unfair in a country grappling with high unemployment rates. The protests quickly escalated as thousands of students from both government and private universities across Bangladesh took to the streets. The movement, known as Students against Discrimination, demands a merit-based system for government jobs, reducing the large quotas currently in place. They argue that the quota system in its current form is discriminatory and exacerbates the already challenging job market conditions. Student activists emphasized that the movement is non-political, organized through social media platforms like Facebook, and driven by a desire for fairness and meritocracy. They are of the view that their protest is not against the quota system itself but for its reformation. This sentiment is echoed by many protesters who support retaining quotas for ethnic minorities and people with disabilities but seek a reduction in the quota for freedom fighters’ descendants.
The government’s response has been marked by a heavy-handed approach. Riot police and paramilitary forces, including the Rapid Action Battalion, have been deployed to quell the protests. Clashes between students and police have involved tear gas, rubber bullets, and batons. Reports of violence by the ruling party’s student wing, the Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL), have further inflamed the situation. Protesters have accused BCL members of attacking them within university premises and even in hospitals. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s rhetoric has not helped to de-escalate tensions. Referring to the protesters as “Razakars,” taken as a derogatory term in Bangladesh used for those who collaborated with Pakistan during the 1971 war, Hasina has attempted to delegitimize the movement. Her comments have been perceived as an attempt to politicize the issue and paint the protesters as anti-national, deepening the divide. Despite calls for dialogue, the government’s approach has been to suppress the protests through force and internet blackouts. Students are attacking the state broadcaster BTV and other institutions, causing significant damage in return. This act of defiance underscores the depth of frustration and desperation among the youth.
The ongoing protests are symptomatic of broader issues within Bangladeshi society. The high unemployment rate, particularly among young graduates, has created a fertile ground for discontent. The current job market cannot absorb the increasing number of graduates, leading to fierce competition for the limited number of government jobs, which are seen as stable and desirable due to their benefits. The quota system, while initially well-intentioned, now faces criticism for perpetuating inequality and favoritism. The students’ demand for a merit-based system reflects a growing desire for fairness and equal opportunity in a rapidly changing economic landscape. If the government continues to ignore these demands, it risks further alienating the youth and worsening social tensions.
Moreover, the government’s harsh crackdown on protests and the use of divisive rhetoric could have long-term political repercussions. The opposition, including the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), has already capitalized on the unrest to rally support against the ruling Awami League. As the protests continue, the government’s legitimacy and ability to maintain social order are being called into question. The international community is also watching closely. Human rights organizations have condemned the violence and called for restraint and dialogue. The situation in Bangladesh could become a focal point for international criticism, affecting the country’s global image and relations. These violent quota protests in Bangladesh are a manifestation of deep-seated frustrations with an outdated system that no longer serves the needs of the population. The government’s response has only intensified the crisis, highlighting the urgent need for reform and open dialogue. The future of Bangladesh’s political stability and social cohesion hinges on addressing these issues with sensitivity and foresight. The path forward requires not only reforming the quota system but also creating more employment opportunities to meet the aspirations of the country’s young and educated population.
—The writer is PhD Scholar International Relations, based in Islamabad.
