Police in the violence-hit country have been ordered to “shoot on sight” to quell protests and the death toll has mounted to 114
Dhaka: In response to widespread unrest and deadly clashes across Bangladesh, the Supreme Court has drastically revised the government job quota system, reported AFP. The previous system, which allocated 30% of government jobs to descendants of veterans from the 1971 War of Independence, sparked nationwide protests and violence.
Under the new ruling, 93% of government jobs will be assigned based on merit, as confirmed by Attorney-General A M Amin Uddin to AFP. The remaining 7% will be reserved, with 5% allocated to children of independent war veterans and 2% designated for other specified categories.
Meanwhile, the government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has extended a nationwide curfew until 3 pm on Sunday, with strict orders for law enforcement to use “shoot-on-sight” measures to quell protests. The death toll has tragically risen to 114, with only essential services permitted amidst public holidays declared for Sunday and Monday.
The protests intensified following Prime Minister Hasina’s controversial remark on July 14, questioning the continuation of quota benefits for descendants of freedom fighters over other groups. This statement has incited widespread outrage among young demonstrators demanding an outright end to the quota system.
The situation in Bangladesh remains volatile as authorities strive to restore order amidst ongoing demonstrations and public discontent.
