DHAKA (Reuters) – Bangladesh announced the indefinite shutdown of all public and private universities from Wednesday after protests by students against a quota system for government jobs turned deadly this week, leaving at least six people dead and scores injured. #BangladeshUniversitiesShutdown
Ongoing protests in Bangladesh center on public sector job quotas, particularly the 30% reservation for family members of freedom fighters. This policy has sparked widespread discontent, especially among students facing high youth unemployment rates. Around 32 million young Bangladeshis, a substantial portion of the population, are currently neither working nor in education. These demonstrations highlight broader frustrations regarding economic opportunities and fairness in government hiring practices.
Demonstrations intensified as Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina declined to meet protesters’ demands due to ongoing court proceedings. She labeled quota opponents as “razakar,” a term for alleged collaborators with the Pakistani army in 1971.
The protests escalated into violence as anti-quota demonstrators clashed with ruling party’s student wing members nationwide. Police responded with rubber bullets and tear gas to quell the unrest.
Six people, including at least three students, were killed during the clashes on Tuesday, police said.
“We urgently call on the Government of Bangladesh to immediately guarantee the safety of all peaceful protesters and proper treatment of all those injured,” Amnesty International said in a post on X.
Authorities have deployed riot police, along with the Border Guard Bangladesh paramilitary force, at university campuses across the country to maintain law and order. #BangladeshUniversitiesShutdown
Late on Tuesday, the University Grants Commission mandated the shutdown of all universities in Bangladesh, instructing students to vacate premises immediately for security reasons. High schools, colleges, and other educational institutions were similarly closed.
