Bangladesh is on the boil, 150 killed

as the anti-quota stir in the country left over 150 killed. The unrest began as students staged protests against a quota system for government jobs, which many see as discriminatory. Unfortunately, the situation has escalated significantly, leading to violent clashes between protesters and police.

As of now, more than 150 people have died, with many of the fatalities occurring during intense confrontation in Dhaka and other cities. The government has imposed a communications blackout besides a countrywide curfew, making it difficult for people to stay informed. The protests have also seen government buildings torched and widespread disruptions to telecommunications. It’s a very volatile situation, and the loss of life, especially among students, is deeply saddening.

The students are demanding reforms to the government job quota system. This system reserves a significant portion of government jobs for specific groups, including the children of those who fought in the 1971 war of independence, women, ethnic minorities, and people with disabilities. The students argue that this system is discriminatory and want job recruitment to be based on merit instead.

The protests intensified after the High Court reinstated the 30% quota for the children of freedom fighters, which had been abolished in 2018 following earlier protests. The students are calling for a fair and merit-based system that provides equal opportunities for all. It’s a complex and emotionally charged issue, reflecting broader concerns about fairness and opportunity in the job market.