Tensions rise as the government of Bangladesh puts the country on lock down by implementing a curfew

Bangladesh imposes nationwide curfew and deploys military amid escalating protests against job quota system. At least 67 dead, widespread riots, and prison break reported. Government and protesters at impasse as communication networks disrupted.

Protests have turned violent in Bangladesh and the government has had to put in place a curfew after clashes that have claimed 67 lives. It started as student protests against the quota system of employing personnel in government organizations and quickly spread to full-scale riots and violence against security forces.

Procedures were initiated and the new curfew was declared by the Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s office after the protest in Narsingdi prison on Friday where prisoners were freed. The government has also used the armed forces to support the civil powers that be to maintain law and order.

The protests that began with students demanding merit-based recruitment of civil servants have transformed into anti-worker protests involving the opposition parties and Islamists. Protesters claim the current system of job quotas, which allows children of Independence war veterans to be hired first, is prejudiced and favors only loyalist supporters.

Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, has witnessed continued protests spearheaded by the ‘Complete Shutdown’ campaigners barricading roads, and chanting on streets while riot police patrol the city. The government has counteracted the protesters with tear gas, rubber bullets, and even stun grenades. Schools, universities and all public transport operations have been closed down with no specific period for reopening.

There are more accounts of the interruption of communication in the country since mobile internet and telephone lines have been reported to be cut. This has made it difficult to evaluate the level of violence comprehensively, violence has now escalated to at least 26 districts.

Any efforts to negotiate between the government and the protesters have not been successful in the past. The current Law Minister, Anisul Haque, indicated willingness to engage in talks with the students while the students’ leaders remained cautious due to the high death toll.

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Even as the situation worsens, people are realizing the future consequences that may affect the stability of Bangladesh politics and its economy. The international community is closely observing the situation, and calls for the parties to avoid further escalation and resolve the conflict peacefully get louder.