Violence escalates amid Bangladesh’s nationwide student-led anti-quota protests, bringing the death toll to approximately 105 demonstrators killed, local media reported. At least 52 were killed in the capital of Dhaka on Friday. 

"There must be impartial, prompt and exhaustive investigations into these attacks, and those responsible held to account," UN human rights chief Volker Turk said in a statement, describing the violent clashes between student protestors and police as “shocking and unacceptable.”

Prime Minister Sheikha Hasina’s government imposed an immediate curfew and deployed the military to assist the police, who banned public gatherings in Dhaka to prevent further violence in the densely populated city.

"We've banned all rallies, processions, and public gatherings in Dhaka today," police chief Habibur Rahman told AFP, adding it was necessary to ensure "public safety."

'Our protest will continue'

"Our protest will continue," demonstrator Sarwar Tushar told AFP, despite the various measures imposed by the government and the nationwide internet blackout.

Student protesters also contributed to the escalation of violence, including setting a prison ablaze in the district of Narsingdi after freeing its prisoners. 

Dhaka's law enforcement announced that the demonstrators had burned, vandalized, and carried out "destructive activities" at several government and law enforcement facilities, resulting in the closure of educational institutions due to the increased violence.

The police statement said they could “be forced to make maximum use of law" if the destruction continued.

Due to the ongoing violence, the government has requested military security to safeguard Prime Minister Hasina at her residence.

Why are students protesting?

Angered by high youth unemployment, with approximately 32 million people are unable to find work or receive an education, students organized demonstrations demanding the abolition of the 56% job quota that allocates 30% for families of veterans who served in the 1971 independence war against Pakistan.

Demonstrators have stated that the job quota ultimately favors supporters of Prime Minister Hasina's party, excluding new job seekers from the labor force. As a result, they are also demanding the replacement of the current political system with a merit-based one. 

Government jobs are highly coveted in Bangladesh and are now more pivotal as the country’s economy struggles to recover from the pandemic and years of strong growth. Essentially, the anti-quota protests were sparked last month but escalated to violence earlier this week, alongside Bangladesh’s main opposition party joining the demonstrations.

The other side of the coin

“The law regarding the quota system will proceed on at its own pace,” Awami League (AL) General Secretary Obaidul Quader said at a press conference on July 13 at the Awami League President's office in Dhanmondi.

The Road Transport and Bridges Minister highlighted that the demands and claims made by the protesters counter the state’s constitution and core principles, highlighting the importance of the quota system.

“In the absence of a quota system in recent years, the participation of women and marginalized communities in government services is frustrating,” Quader said.

The general secretary emphasized that compared to India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and other countries within South Asia, Bangladesh has one of the lowest quota rates in the region for both employment and education.

US' hypocritical, double standard antics

In terms of global comments on the protests, Bangladesh criticized the United States for making an “unsubstantiated” statement.

"Use of unverified information to make such baseless claims can fuel violence and undermine Bangladesh government's efforts to maintain a peaceful environment to allow non-violent protests or movement," Bangladesh’s Foreign Ministry said in response to the US State Department’s claims that two people were killed during the protests. This was false at the time, and killings only began after the press conference.

"We are aware of and are monitoring reports of widespread student protests in Dhaka and around Bangladesh that have killed two and attacked and injured hundreds. The freedom of expression and peaceful assembly are essential building blocks of any thriving democracy, and we condemn any violence against peaceful protesters. Our thoughts are with those who have been impacted by this violence," the Department’s Spokesperson Matthew Miller said.

General Secretary Quader said that the US should “look in the mirror,” while Hasina accused the Western power of double standards concerning democracy.