Streets appeared calm in Bangladesh’s capital. A court agreed to scrap most government job quotas that had angered student-led activists and led to deadly protests. The issue of Bangladesh job quotas was contentious. #BangladeshJobQuotas
Late on Sunday, protesters gave the government 48 hours to meet new demands. These include a public apology from Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. They also demand the restoration of internet connections disrupted during the unrest.
But on Monday, most appeared to be obeying a curfew in cities that had seen regular demonstrations after a high court in June reinstated old quotas that reserved many state jobs for descendants of freedom fighters and other groups.
At least 147 people have died in the violence, according to information from hospitals.
A public holiday declared over the last two days was extended to Tuesday, according to a government notification.
“Normalcy will return within one or two days,” Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan told reporters.
Experts have blamed the unrest on stagnant job growth in the private sector and high rates of youth unemployment that have made government jobs, with their regular wage hikes and other privileges, more attractive. #BangladeshJobQuotas
Hasina, 76, who was sworn in for a fourth consecutive term this year, has been accused of authoritarianism, human rights violations, and crackdowns on free speech and dissent in the past – charges her government denies.
On Monday, there were no reports of violence or protests across the country, officials said.
Army tanks were seen stationed at several places in the streets of Dhaka, the capital, while armed security patrols directed the few motorists who ventured out.
The focus now shifts to ensuring equal opportunities for all. With ongoing discussions, the future of Bangladesh job quotas will be closely monitored.
