Bangladesh Unrest Timeline: From Job Quotas To Mass Protests

In recent weeks, at least 11,000 arrests have been made. The closure of schools and universities across the country has been caused by the unrest, and a shoot-on-sight curfew was imposed at one point.

A conversation was offered by Hasina to student leaders on Saturday, but a one-point demand for her resignation was announced by a coordinator. Pledges to investigate the deaths and punish those responsible for the violence were reiterated by Hasina, who expressed her willingness to meet with the protesters whenever they wished.

Meanwhile, It has been reported by Indian media that the Bangladeshi leader has landed in India's northeastern city of Agartala after fleeing Dhaka. According to intelligence sources, safe passage is set to be offered to Hasina by New Delhi.

Hasina's Rule Marked By Violence

Sheikh Hasina, the daughter of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the independence movement leader of 1971, has been recognized as the longest-serving prime minister. Her current term has spanned from 2009 to the present.

Earlier this year, elections were held in Bangladesh. According to regulations, an interim government was required to ensure a neutral, fair, and free election, but this was not implemented.

Instead, opposition parties faced severe restrictions, with death sentences handed down to some Jamaat-e-Islami leaders, and the party was banned.

The initial student protests at universities were dismissed, and accusations of excessive force by the government led to numerous deaths and injuries. This student movement has evolved into what many in Bangladesh and observers now refer to as a revolution, as Hasina's rule has been marred by violence. It was only a matter of time before this growing resentment erupted.

Timeline of Bangladesh Unrest

Last Month

• Protests Erupt: Students began protesting after the High Court reinstated a controversial job quota system favoring the children of war veterans.

Immediate Response

• Government Action: The government shut down universities and used police and military forces to suppress the protests.
• Curfew and Internet Shutdown: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina imposed a nationwide curfew and cut off access to phones and the internet.

Casualties and Arrests

• Violence Escalates: Around 200 people, mostly students, were killed, and thousands were arrested.

July 21

• Court Ruling: Bangladesh's top court ruled to scale back the quotas from 30 per cent to 5 per cent, with 3 per cent reserved for relatives of veterans.

Last Week

• Resumed Protests: Demonstrations resumed with new demands for justice for those killed and for Hasina to step down.
• Government Response: Prime Minister Hasina vowed a strong response, labelling demonstrators as criminals and saboteurs.