Protest against quota system turns violent

DHAKKA: Protest demonstrations by students in Bangladesh against the quota system in government employment turned violent causing death and injuries to the participants.

The students protesting against the quota system and calling for its abolition clashed with those supporting the policy of the government of Prime Minister Hasina Wajid. As a result, five protesting students were killed and over 100 others injured on Tuesday, according to local media reports.

The protesters have blocked railway stations and main highways and announced to continue their protest till the fullfillment of their demands. The government has, on the other hand, closed all educational institutions in the country. In Bangladesh, 56pc of government jobs are allocated on the basis of quota with 30 percent going to the children of those who fought in the 1971 war, 30pc to women and 10pc to selected districts.

The students are of the view that government jobs should be given on merit and only 10pc should be reserved for minorities and persons with disabilities.

The quota system was abolished in 2018 prompting violent protests across the country. However, last month the high court restored the 30pc quota for the children of those who fought the 1971 war, leading to the start of the protests. The high court ruling has however been challenged in the supreme court which has stayed the decision for four months till a final decision.