Dhaka – In a significant development, Bangladesh has further relaxed its nationwide curfew as students deliberate the future of their protest campaign against controversial civil service hiring rules. The curfew, which was strictly enforced during last week’s violent clashes, now permits movement between 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM.
Deadly Clashes and Relaxation of Restrictions
The violence last week resulted in the deaths of at least 191 people, including several police officers, according to an AFP count based on reports from hospitals and police sources. Thousands of troops continue to patrol urban areas, and a nationwide internet shutdown remains in place, although the intensity of the clashes has decreased following a temporary suspension of new protests by leaders.
The capital city Dhaka, home to approximately 20 million residents, witnessed a return to bustling commuter traffic in the morning, a stark contrast to the deserted streets seen during the height of the unrest. Following the relaxation of the curfew, banks, government offices, and key garment factories, which are crucial to the country’s economy, reopened on Wednesday after being closed for a week.
Student Protests and Demands
Student leaders are scheduled to meet later on Thursday to decide whether to extend their current pause in demonstrations, which is set to end on Friday. The group behind the protests, Students Against Discrimination, is demanding several concessions from the government, including a formal apology from Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for the alleged “mass murder” of students. They are also calling for the dismissal of the home and education ministers.
Asif Mahmud, a coordinator for the group, criticized the official death toll, suggesting that their own tally of confirmed fatalities might be higher. “We demand accountability and significant changes,” Mahmud told AFP.
Background of the Protests
The unrest was sparked by the reintroduction of a job reservation scheme in June, which allocates over half of government positions to specific groups, including descendants of veterans from Bangladesh’s independence war. With around 18 million unemployed young people in Bangladesh, the policy has been met with strong opposition from graduates facing a severe job crisis.
Critics argue that the quota system is a tool for the Awami League party, led by Prime Minister Hasina, to fill public positions with loyalists. Although the Supreme Court reduced the number of reserved jobs on Sunday, it did not meet the protesters’ demands to eliminate the quotas entirely.
Government Response and Ongoing Issues
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who has been in power since 2009, won her fourth consecutive term in January’s elections, which were marred by allegations of lacking genuine opposition. Her government faces criticism from human rights groups for using state institutions to strengthen its grip on power and suppress dissent, including accusations of extrajudicial killings of opposition activists.
Looking Ahead
As Bangladesh navigates this period of unrest, the government’s response to student demands and the evolving political landscape will be closely watched. The easing of curfew restrictions marks a tentative step toward normalcy, but the underlying issues and calls for reform continue to drive the discourse.
