Bangladesh students protests | more then 150 killed

  Bangladesh in Turmoil as Student Protests Escalate Over Government Job Quotas 

Bangladesh remains gripped by tension and unrest as student protests continue following a landmark Supreme Court decision to abolish most government job quotas. Despite the court's ruling, demonstrators demand immediate implementation of the order, refusing to end their protests until concrete actions are taken.

The quota system, which reserved a third of government jobs for relatives of veterans from Bangladesh's 1971 war of independence from Pakistan, has been a source of contention. Critics argue that it disproportionately benefits those with ties to the ruling party, further entrenching inequality and favoritism.

Over the past week, more than 150 people have been killed in violent clashes, with countless others injured. The government has responded with a heavy-handed approach, deploying troops, enforcing a strict curfew, and severely restricting communication channels. This aggressive crackdown has only fueled public anger and intensified the resolve of the protesters.

Distressing footage verified by the BBC reveals the brutality of the security forces' response. One particularly harrowing video shows a young man, injured but still alive, left unattended on the street by security personnel. He later succumbed to his injuries, becoming one of the many victims of the escalating violence.

At the heart of the protests lies a deep-seated frustration with the current government, led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Her administration, in power for nearly 15 consecutive years, now faces one of its most significant challenges. The students' initial focus on the quota system has evolved into a broader movement encompassing various grievances, including high inflation, rampant corruption, and a perceived lack of accountability.

The Supreme Court's recent decision has done little to quell the unrest. Many students remain skeptical, insisting on justice for those killed and injured during the protests and demanding that the quota abolition be fully implemented. The government's initial acceptance of the court's rationale for scrapping the quota system has not been enough to placate the protesters.

Independent journalist Kamal Ahmed highlighted the multifaceted nature of the movement. "Though it started as a quota movement, it no longer remains just that. All sorts of discontented and angry people have joined the protests, driven by high inflation, corruption, lack of accountability, and disenfranchisement," he explained.

The government's decision to impose an internet shutdown and restrict communication has further complicated the situation, making it difficult to gauge the full extent of the unrest. Reports indicate ongoing violence, with 12 more people killed as recently as yesterday.

As the nation teeters on the brink, the world watches closely. The coming days will be critical in determining whether the government's actions will defuse the situation or provoke even greater unrest.