Protests Response
Bangladesh imposes strict curfew with a 'shoot-on-sight-order'
Dhaka, Bangladesh — In a bid to quell escalating violence, the Bangladeshi government has imposed a strict curfew across the nation, accompanied by a controversial 'shoot-on-sight' order. This drastic measure follows days of deadly protests over the country's contentious civil service job quota system, which has left scores dead and hundreds injured.
The curfew, which began at midnight, permits a brief relaxation period from noon to 2 p.m. for essential activities before resuming until the following morning. Lawmaker Obaidul Quader, the general secretary of the ruling Awami League party, stated that the curfew allows authorities to use firearms in extreme situations to control unruly crowds.
The protests, primarily led by student organizations, erupted over a system that reserves a significant percentage of government jobs for descendants of veterans from the 1971 independence war. Critics argue that this quota system is discriminatory and benefits supporters of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's ruling Awami League party. The unrest has exposed vulnerabilities in Bangladesh's governance and economy, amplifying the discontent among young graduates struggling to secure suitable employment opportunities.
The current turmoil poses a substantial challenge to Prime Minister Hasina's administration, following her recent electoral victory amidst opposition boycotts. Protesters demand a revamp of the existing quota system, advocating for a merit-based selection process instead.
The demonstrations, which began at Dhaka University on July 1, quickly spread to other campuses and cities nationwide. The situation turned violent on July 15 when members of the Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL), the student wing of the ruling party, reportedly attacked student protesters inside the Dhaka University campus. Since then, clashes between security forces, protesters, and government supporters have intensified.
Police have used tear gas, rubber bullets, and sound grenades to disperse the crowds, while protesters have armed themselves with sticks and rocks. The violence has resulted in significant casualties, with conflicting reports on the exact figures. Somoy TV reported 43 killed, while an Associated Press reporter saw 23 bodies at Dhaka Medical College and Hospital.
In response to the escalating violence, the government has deployed military forces to patrol parts of the capital. The curfew was lifted briefly on Saturday afternoon to allow people to run essential errands, but otherwise, residents have been ordered to remain at home, and all gatherings and demonstrations have been banned. Authorities have also imposed a nationwide internet shutdown, severely hampering communication in and out of Bangladesh. Major news organizations' websites, along with government sites like the central bank and the prime minister's office, were reportedly hacked by a group known as 'THE RSIST3'.
The opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has thrown its support behind the protests, distancing itself from accusations of instigating violence for political motives. The government's decision to suspend job quotas in 2018 was later overturned by the High Court, reigniting tensions and prompting renewed protests. As the legal battle over the quota system continues, the Supreme Court is set to review the issue on August 7.
The international community has expressed concern over the situation in Bangladesh. The US State Department has warned Americans not to travel to Bangladesh and announced plans to remove some diplomats and their families from the country. Amnesty International has condemned the use of excessive force against protesters, calling for accountability for the violence. The United Nations and various human rights groups have urged the Bangladeshi government to protect peaceful protesters and ensure their safety.
Eyewitnesses have described harrowing scenes of violence. "We had nothing in our hands – we only had placards and flags," said Amit, a protester at Dhaka University. "They started throwing bricks at us and then with iron rods. They did not discriminate between man or woman. They kicked the women in their breasts, in their stomachs, and on their heads."
Another protester, Hassan Abdullah, recounted: "There are tear gas shells just 50 meters away from me as I am talking to you. The police are constantly bursting sound grenades right now."
As Bangladesh grapples with this unprecedented wave of unrest, the government's stringent measures and the protesters' unwavering demands highlight the deep-seated divisions within the country. The coming days will be crucial in determining whether dialogue and diplomacy can prevail over violence and repression.