20 killed, over 1000 injured in anti-job quota stir in Bangladesh
Government TV station, police and administration offices set on fire
IH News Desk
SOUTH ASIA, July 18, 2024: At least 20 people, including students and a journalist, were killed in Bangladesh and over one thousand inured as anti-job quota student protestors clashed with police and government supporters Thursday. The violence erupted at Dhaka University, where the protestors were demanding an end to a quota system that reserves up to 30% of government jobs for relatives of veterans who fought in Bangladesh's war of independence in 1971.
The protestors argue that this system is discriminatory and only benefits supporters of the ruling Awami League party. They are calling for a merit-based system to replace the current one.
However, the government has accused opposition parties of instigating the violence. The clashes have resulted in at least six deaths in Dhaka's Uttara area and 14 others, including a journalist, in other parts of the capital and elsewhere.
The country is currently experiencing a near-total shutdown of internet services and a government TV station in Dhaka was set on fire. In response to the initial deaths, the government has asked universities across the country to close in an attempt to quell the student unrest.
Police have also raided the main opposition party's headquarters.
Late on Thursday night, the Bangladesh government formally called for a dialogue with the protestors and stated that they are willing to “accept” their demands.
https://indigenousherald.com/