BY Dr. Bawa SIngh and Dr. Aslam Khan
The quota reform movement in Bangladesh has intensified into a severe crisis characterised by extensive violence and violations of human rights. The protest originated from the students’ demand for reforms in the government’s quota system, which allocated 30% of government jobs exclusively for the descendants of freedom fighters. The quota was initially revoked in reaction to previous demonstrations in 2018, but its restoration by the High Court in June 2024 once again sparked more violent movement by the students. The student protests were characterised by intense violence and confrontations with security forces, highlighting the ongoing debate revolving around equity and meritocracy.
The government’s response, which including the use of uncontrolled force by the police further intensified the student’s discontent and resistance. The participation of the Bangladesh Chhatra League a pro-government organisation, including their assaults on demonstrators, heightened the critical situation. The government’s actions, such as the closure of the 4G network, highlight their efforts to manipulate the story and suppress the movement and dissent. The protests were characterised by a substantial public turmoil, highlighting fundamental issues of fairness and justice in Bangladesh’s employment policies. The current turbulence had exemplified the potent convergence of historical legacies, political manoeuvres, and youth activism.
Genesis of the Current Crisis
In June 2024, following the High Court’s decision to uphold the existing quota system, students from different universities in Dhaka sparked a renewed wave of the quota reform movement. After a brief hiatus for Eid and summer holidays, the movement picked up again in a peaceful manner. It was quickly gained traction, spreading to various public universities including Dhaka University, Rajshahi University, and the University of Chittagong. Private institutions like North South University and BRAC University were also joined the movement. These protests popularly named as Bangla Blockade resulting in disruptions of several services including the domestic trains and road transport networks.
Against this background, ultimately, the Appellate Division issued a four-week status quo on July 10, revoking the freedom fighters’ quota. Notwithstanding this positive step on part of the government, the demonstrators have continued their demand of a definitive solution from the government. Meanwhile the public university teachers started protest against a new pension scheme, resulting in the closure of universities on 1 July. By July 7, the protests had spread nationwide, causing significant disruptions in cities such as Dhaka, Chittagong, and Rajshahi.
On July 11, a confrontation between the police and students resulted in a violent outbreak. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s contentious comments on July 14 about the demand for the elimination of reservation policy further heightened the prevailing tensions even more. The ruling Awami League, by means of its student branch, Chhatra League, forcefully suppressed the protests, resulting in numerous causalities. As a response, demonstrators at Rajshahi University and Dhaka University removed Chhatra League members from respective campuses declaring several universities free from Chhatra League.
Movement Turned into Violence
The violence has resulted in more than 300 deaths and more than 2,000 injuries. The government’s official figure admits more than 200 deaths, although unofficial sources claim a higher number of victims. Security forces were used both lethal and non-lethal weapons, resulting in a large number of casualties. In addition, more than 2,500 people have been arbitrarily arrested and over 61,000 demonstrators have been made accused in various judicial processes. The government imposed an internet blackout on July 18, and when it was partially restored five days later, it exacerbated the unrest and limited access to information.
The calls for justice and accountability have become stronger, with a demand for the release of arrested leaders of the movement and a transparent investigation of the injuries and deaths. The current state of affairs remains highly volatile, characterised by persistent public disapproval and the utilisation of social media platforms by students to express their disapproval, despite the implementation of severe measures to suppress their dissent. These incidents highlight the urgent requirement for a peaceful resolution and commitment to human rights in addressing the concerns of the demonstrators and restoring stability in the country.
Demands of the students
The Anti-discrimination Students’ Movement initially demanded the cancellation of the current quota system for government jobs and the implementation of equitable quota for minority groups and disabled individuals, and the creation of a new quota system limited to 5% of all jobs through legislation passed by the parliament. Nevertheless, in reaction to the outbreak of violence during the protests, the movement modified their demands to a nine-point agenda. The demand is for Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to issue a public apology and take responsibility for the deaths of students. Additionally, there is a call for the resignation of Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan and Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader as they are believed to have played a part in instigating the violence.
Furthermore, there is a request for the dismissal of police officials in the areas where students’ causalities took place. In addition, the students called for the vice-chancellors and proctors of Dhaka University, Jahangirnagar University, and Rajshahi University to step down on account of their failure to control the universities’ campus violence. In addition, they demanded a comprehensive prohibition on student politics in all educational establishments across the country, the apprehension and scrutiny of individuals implicated in the assaults, monetary compensation for the families of deceased or injured students, the prompt resumption of all educational institutions and student dormitories, and the removal of law enforcement officers and security personnel from educational establishments to guarantee a peaceful atmosphere.
Resignation of PM and Violence
On August 5, 2024, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned and fled from Bangladesh to India alongside her sister, Sheikh Rehana. The Chief of Army Staff, Waker-uz-Zaman, advocated for the formation of an interim government that does not include the Awami League. He pledged to conduct a military inquiry into the acts of violence and directed security personnel to refrain from using firearms against the masses. The curfew was lifted and offices, businesses, and schools were advised to resume functions. President Mohammed Shahabuddin issued a directive to release the arrested students and political adversary Khaleda Zia, in response to a joint agreement made by opposition parties and the military forces.
Following the resignation of the Prime Minister’s resignation, Bangladesh has been experiencing extensive violence. Demonstrators defaced monuments of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, damaged the Awami League headquarters, and targeted buildings associated with the party. The anti-government people targeted important landmarks, such as the Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre and the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban. Pro-government media outlets were set on fire, and police stations were attacked, leading to multiple injuries and significant destruction of property. This surge in violence underscores profound resentment, a collapse of societal structure, and the difficulties in effectively controlling such turmoil.
In order to address the issue in Bangladesh, a number of crucial measures need to be The interim government anticipated to be formed shortly, however, the same should be inclusive and independent from the external powers’ influence in order to restore trust of the students and provide guarantee for fair elections. Accountability and transparency should be ensured through comprehensive investigations into the violence impacting both demonstrators and law enforcement personnel.
The job quota system reforms should be implemented in a transparent manner, ensuring active engagement with all stakeholders through dialogues and discourse. It is imperative to maintain and respect human rights safeguards, such as the right to freedom of speech and the right to peaceful assembly. Enhancing civic institutions such as the police and judiciary is crucial to ensure fairness and efficiency. Additionally, soliciting foreign assistance for humanitarian aid and mediation can contribute to the resolution of the issue.
Ultimately, the key lesson to be learnt from this crisis is that the government must carefully consider and address the legitimate demands of the students and young people, who used play a crucial role in building the nation and fostering peace, prosperity, and stability of the country.