Bangladesh Protests: Causes, Responses, and Implications
Jul 26, 2024
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.