MEMBERS of civil society clashed with police in Bangladesh during a song march for victims of recent student protests over quotas in government jobs. In response to deadly nationwide unrest, Bangladesh will ban the country’s largest religious party Jamaat-i-Islaami and its student wing Shibir. The ban decision was made by the governing coalition representatives unanimously.
The EU foreign policy chief condemned the use of excessive force against protesters, calling for accountability and justice. The unrest followed student rallies against civil service job quotas, leading to a death toll of at least 206 people.
More than 10,000 people have been arrested in connection with the unrest, prompting criticism from rights groups. Troops are patrolling urban areas, and a nationwide curfew remains in force but has been gradually eased.
The protests began over a quota scheme reserving more than half of government jobs for specific groups, which has faced backlash and demands for reform.
Prime Minister Hasina, who has been in power since 2009, won her fourth consecutive election in January amidst criticism of the government’s handling of the unrest.
Published in Dawn, July 31st, 2024