Dhaka, Bangladesh – Student Protests Over Job Quota System at Dhaka University
Mahin Sarkar and fellow students are standing guard at the gates of Dhaka University, armed with sticks and cricket stumps, allowing only those with valid university IDs to enter. Outside, police platoons are positioned to prevent further vandalism.
The government closed all schools and colleges on Tuesday after nationwide protests against a government job quota system turned violent. Student activists from the ruling Awami League clashed with demonstrators, and riot police used tear gas. The protests have resulted in six deaths and hundreds of injuries, mostly near or inside university campuses. Students oppose a quota system that reserves over 56% of government jobs for certain groups, including descendants of independence fighters, women, people from disadvantaged districts, ethnic minorities, and individuals with disabilities.
Despite orders to vacate, many students refuse to leave. At Dhaka University, students are protesting near the vice chancellor's residence, demanding the campus remain open. Hundreds of police and paramilitary officers are stationed nearby.
Mohammad Shohagh Mia, a student protester, insists on written commitments for quota system reforms and freedom from the ruling party's influence. Students at other universities are also defying the eviction order, fearing government suppression of their protests.
At Jahangirnagar University, students fear for their safety if they leave campus, following attacks by the Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL), the Awami League’s student organization. BCL leaders have pledged a "fitting response" to protesters and held a funeral for a member killed in the clashes.
Saddam Hossain, BCL president, accused protesters of disrupting education and endangering students, highlighting that over 2,000 BCL activists were injured. He announced that the BCL would respond with both street protests and legal action.
These student protests highlight the deepening tensions in Bangladesh over the controversial job quota system, with students demanding fairness and safety on their campuses.
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