The recent nationwide protests in Bangladesh are the largest since Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s re-election to a fourth term in office. Fueled by high youth unemployment, with nearly a fifth of the 170 million population out of work or education, the protests have turned violent with four reported deaths and hundreds injured in clashes with police in Dhaka.
Protesters are demanding for the government to stop reserving 30% of government jobs for families of those who fought in the 1971 war of independence from Pakistan. Hasina has refused to meet these demands so far, but the government has expressed willingness to engage in dialogue.
Authorities have responded to the protests by firing tear gas, cutting mobile internet services, and shutting down universities indefinitely. The US and Indian embassies have issued advisories to their citizens to avoid demonstrations.
The Supreme Court is set to hear the government’s appeal on August 7 against a High Court order to reinstate the job quota. Rights groups and the United Nations have called for the protection of peaceful protesters from violence.