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Bangladesh is grappling with a severe wave of civil unrest, marked by deadly clashes between protesters and security forces, leading to the imposition of a strict curfew and a 'shoot-on-sight' order. The unrest, which has claimed the lives of at least 133 people, was triggered by widespread public discontent over the country's civil service job quota system, a controversial policy that reserves a significant portion of government jobs for specific groups, particularly children of veterans from the 1971 Liberation War against Pakistan.
The protests, initially spearheaded by university students, have escalated into one of the most serious challenges to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's rule since she took office in 2009. The anger against the quota system stems from its perceived favoritism towards those loyal to Hasina, while fueling resentment among the youth who face a dire job market in a country with a burgeoning population of 170 million. The protests, initially focused on the quota system, have broadened to encompass calls for Hasina's resignation, highlighting a deep-seated frustration with her government's perceived lack of responsiveness to public concerns.
The government's response to the protests has been marked by a heavy-handed crackdown, with riot police initially struggling to contain the unrest. The military has since been deployed, and a strict curfew has been imposed across the country, with authorities granting limited reprieves for essential errands. The 'shoot-on-sight' order, authorized by the ruling party, underscores the severity of the situation and the government's determination to quell the protests by any means necessary. The internet blackout imposed since July 18 further intensifies the crackdown, restricting the flow of information and hindering communication between protesters.
The Supreme Court is set to deliver a verdict on the future of the quota system, a decision that could have a profound impact on the course of the unrest. While Hasina has hinted at scrapping the system, the government's heavy-handed response and the escalating death toll suggest that a favorable verdict may not be enough to appease public anger. The US has issued a 'Do Not Travel' advisory for Bangladesh, citing the escalating violence and instability. This advisory, along with the evacuation of non-emergency government employees, underscores the growing international concern over the situation in Bangladesh.
The protests have sparked widespread condemnation from human rights groups, who accuse the government of using state institutions to silence dissent and suppress opposition. The government's accusations of the opposition party attempting to exploit the protests for political gain further fuel the sense of mistrust and division within the country. The unrest highlights the deep-seated grievances of the Bangladeshi youth, who are struggling with limited job opportunities, economic hardship, and a sense of disillusionment with the political system.
The escalation of the protests and the government's heavy-handed response have raised serious concerns about the future of Bangladesh. The unrest underscores the fragility of the country's political stability and the need for a more inclusive and responsive approach to addressing the concerns of the youth. The international community is closely watching the developments in Bangladesh, urging for a peaceful resolution and an end to the violence.
Source: Bangladesh Civil Unrest: Curfew With 'Shoot-on-Sight' Order Imposed As 133 Die in Deadly Clashes