Bangladesh Quota Violence: TV Station Torched, Internet Shutdown; Death Toll Reaches 32

The violence in Bangladesh intensified on Thursday as students set fire to a building of the state broadcaster, BTV, following Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's appearance on the network. The death toll has now reached 32.

Hundreds of protesters demanding reforms to the quota system for government jobs overwhelmed riot police. They chased officers to BTV's headquarters in Dhaka, setting ablaze the channel's reception building and several parked vehicles. Although several people were trapped inside, they were safely evacuated.

Internet Shutdown and Deployment of Forces

The government has responded by shutting down metro stations in the capital and ordering an internet shutdown. Outage monitor Netblocks reported a "near-total internet shutdown" across Bangladesh. Border Guard Bangladesh personnel have been deployed nationwide to maintain order.

University students in Dhaka and other cities have been rallying for over a week against the reservation system in public sector jobs, which includes quotas for relatives of war heroes from the 1971 independence war against Pakistan. The scheme also benefits children of pro-government groups supporting Hasina.

Government's Response and Condemnation

On Wednesday, PM Hasina appeared on BTV condemning the "murder" of protesters and vowed that those responsible would be punished regardless of their political affiliation. However, violence escalated further the next day.

The police have been using rubber bullets, tear gas, and noise grenades to disperse protesters but with little success. The clashes resulted in 25 more deaths on Thursday alone, according to AFP.

Protesters' Demands and Government Dialogue

The students are demanding an end to a quota system that reserves more than half of government jobs for specific groups. A spokesman for the protesters stated they no longer seek dialogue with the government but demand an immediate issuance of a gazette notification cancelling quotas in government jobs.

Bangladesh's junior minister Zunaid Ahmed Palak justified the internet ban, stating social media had been "weaponised as a tool to spread rumours, lies and disinformation." Law minister Anisul Huq announced that the government has decided to hold a dialogue with protesting students. PM Hasina has entrusted him and education minister Mohibul Hassan Chowdhury with holding discussions.

Human rights groups have accused the Hasina government of suppressing dissent amid these protests. The situation remains tense as both sides stand firm on their demands.