Protests in Bangladesh: Overview

Current Situation

• Nationwide shutdown of schools and colleges.
• Mobile internet suspended by the government.
• Military curfew declared due to escalating violence.
• Death toll: At least 150 killed, thousands injured.
• Protests have turned violent.
• Accusations against PM Sheikh Hasina as a dictator.

Cause of Protests

• Root Cause: Protests against the quota system for jobs in Bangladesh.
• Quota System Details:
  • 56% of public sector jobs reserved for various groups.
  • Only 44% are merit-based.
  • Major reservations are based on the descendants of freedom fighters.

Historical Context

• Pre-independence: Bangladesh was East Pakistan, experiencing:
  • Cultural and economic discrimination by West Pakistan.
  • 1970 elections: Awami League won but was denied governance by military.
  • Genocide: Large-scale atrocities led to the Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971.
  • Independence achieved: With support from India under PM Indira Gandhi.

Quota System Evolution

• Inception: Quota for freedom fighters initiated in 1972.
• Extensions:
  • 1997: Children of freedom fighters.
  • 2010: Grandchildren included.
• Protesters' Demands:
  • Reform the quota system; retain reservations for ethnic minorities and disabled only.

Background of Reservations

• Current Quota Allocation:
  • 30% for descendants of freedom fighters.
  • 10% for women, 10% for backward districts, 5% for ethnic minorities, 1% for disabled.
• Legal Controversy:
  • High Court reinstated quota system following a petition in June 2024.
  • Claims of the quota system being unconstitutional regarding descendants.

Government Response to Protests

• Clashes with paramilitary forces: Demonstrators treated violently; tear gas and rubber bullets used.
• Political Opposition Involvement: Bangladesh Nationalist Party joins protests.
• International Concern: UN urges restraint from violence.

Political Allegations

• Corruption claims: Allegations revolving around how freedom fighters are identified and recognized.
• Government approach: Claims of wanting to negotiate; however, many remain doubtful due to past actions.

Analysis of Public Sentiment

• Protester Sentiments:
  • Anger directed towards the government for repression and perceived authoritarianism.
  • Questions validity of reserving jobs for grandchildren of freedom fighters.
• Prime Minister's Remarks: Controversial comments suggesting opposition to freedom fighters symbolically attacks the dissenting voices.

Broader Socio-Economic Issues

• Unemployment crisis: Over 30 million unemployed; more than 500,000 jobs vacant.
• Calls for job creation as a long-term solution to unrest and protests.
• Foreign Debt: Financial struggles; IMF support sought.

Media Misrepresentation

• Media Coverage: Criticism of Indian media for misrepresenting the protests as foreign-funded and accusing protesters of hypocrisy regarding reservation.
• Caste vs Quota debate: Essential differences between Bangladesh's system and India's caste-based reservations.

Conclusion

• The protests highlight deep-rooted grievances about job opportunities, fairness in governance, and historical injustices connected to Bangladesh's independence struggle.
• The government must address these issues constructively to restore public trust and address the underlying unemployment crisis.