The protests in Bangladesh over government job quotas are still ongoing as of July 20, 2024, despite a nationwide curfew and military deployment by the government.
The unrest is escalating significantly, resulting in at least 105 deaths and thousands of injuries in clashes between protesters and security forces.
The protests, which are beginning in early July, are being sparked by a High Court ruling that is reinstating a controversial quota system allocating 30% of government jobs to the families of those who fought for Bangladesh’s independence from Pakistan.
Students and young job seekers are demonstrating against the quotas, which they are viewing as discriminatory and limiting their employment opportunities.
In response to the growing violence, the government is imposing a nationwide curfew, suspending internet and text messaging services, and deploying the military to Dhaka.
However, protesters are vowing to continue their demonstrations, with some incidents of protesters storming a jail and setting it ablaze.
International human rights organizations are condemning the government’s actions, including the internet blackout and the use of excessive force against peaceful protesters.
The unrest is also forcing Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to cancel her overseas trips, underscoring the severity of the crisis.