Protests Return To Dhaka: What’s Fueling The Latest Wave Of Protests And Unrest In Bangladesh?

In her 20 years as Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina is confronting perhaps her greatest challenge yet, as ongoing protests claim over 300 lives. The 76-year-old leader has resigned and fled Ganabhaban, the official residence, amid storming by protesters.

On Sunday, at least 98 people were killed and hundreds injured when police deployed tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse tens of thousands calling for Hasina's resignation. This violence marks one of the deadliest days in Bangladesh's recent civil unrest, surpassing the 67 deaths reported during student protests on July 19 against the quota system for government jobs.

Underlying Causes of the Unrest

The protests, which began late last month, intensified when student activists from Dhaka University clashed with police and pro-government counter-protesters. The unrest stems from a contentious quota system that reserves up to 30% of government jobs for relatives of veterans from Bangladesh's 1971 independence war. Critics argue this system is discriminatory and favors supporters of Hasina's Awami League party, advocating for a merit-based replacement.

This quota system, established in 1972, was briefly abolished in 2018 before being reinstated. Critics claim it unfairly benefits Awami League supporters and limits opportunities for other qualified candidates. Prime Minister Hasina's remarks further fueled the protests, which have grown into a broader anti-government movement supported by a diverse group, including celebrities and business leaders. Social media campaigns and rap songs have amplified calls for Hasina's resignation.

The situation has rapidly escalated, with protesters announcing a "March to Dhaka" and attacking various government and Awami League offices across 39 districts. Notably, residences and offices of ruling party figures were vandalized in at least 14 locations.

In response, the government imposed an indefinite nationwide curfew starting at 6 pm on Sunday, declared a three-day general holiday, and shut down internet services. Major highways were blocked, and non-cooperation programs were launched, escalating violence. Police stations and ruling party offices became targets, resulting in significant casualties, including the deaths of thirteen policemen in Sirajganj and the destruction of lawmakers' homes.

Nationwide Unrest

The unrest spread beyond Dhaka, affecting districts like Munsiganj, where two construction workers were killed and 30 injured in clashes. Additional violence was reported in Pabna, Feni, and other districts, including vandalism of a hospital and arson at garment factories in Dhaka. The government's decision to shut down high-speed internet services, including social media platforms, exacerbated the chaos.

Bangladesh's telecom providers were ordered to disable 4G services, further disrupting communication. Despite a brief lull in protests following a Supreme Court ruling that reduced quotas, demonstrations resumed, demanding justice for the deceased.

In response to the unrest, the international community, including India, has advised against travel to Bangladesh. General Waker-Uz-Zaman, Bangladesh's Chief of Army Staff, has been tasked with ensuring the security of lives, property, and state installations, but the violence continues unabated.