Protests halted for 48 hours as students demanded the withdrawal of curfew, internet restoration, and an end to targeting by authorities.
On July 22, 2024, the Bangladeshi student group leading intense protests across the nation decided to suspend their demonstrations for 48 hours. The group’s leader, Nahid Islam, stated that while they sought reforms, they did not want them “at the expense of so much blood.”
Initially, the protests erupted over politicized admission quotas for coveted government jobs. These demonstrations rapidly escalated into some of the most violent unrest witnessed during Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s tenure. In response, a curfew was imposed, and soldiers began patrolling cities nationwide. Since July 18, a nationwide internet blackout has severely limited the flow of information.
Dhaka’s streets were notably quiet on July 22, with the army chief claiming that the law and order situation was “under control” following military deployment. Nahid Islam, who leads the protest organizer Students Against Discrimination, announced the temporary halt to the protests from his hospital bed, where he was recovering from injuries he said were inflicted by undercover police.
“We are suspending the shutdown protests for 48 hours,” Nahid told AFP. “We demand that during this period the government withdraws the curfew, restores the internet, and stops targeting the student protesters.”
The Supreme Court’s recent decision to reduce the number of reserved jobs for certain groups, including descendants of “freedom fighters” from Bangladesh’s 1971 liberation war against Pakistan, failed to pacify the demonstrators. At least 163 people have died in the clashes, including several police officers, according to AFP’s tally of reports from police and hospitals.
On July 22, sporadic violence continued, with four people admitted to Dhaka Medical College Hospital with bullet injuries. However, the number of casualties was significantly lower than in previous days. Government officials have repeatedly blamed the protesters and opposition parties for the unrest.
Dhaka Metropolitan Police spokesman Faruk Hossain reported that “at least 532” people had been arrested in the capital since the protests began, including some leaders of the opposition Bangladesh National Party.
Ali Riaz, a professor of politics at Illinois State University and a leading expert on Bangladesh, described the violence as “the worst massacre by any regime since independence.” He criticized the regime’s reliance on brute force and its disregard for human life.
Bangladeshi Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus called on “world leaders and the United Nations to do everything within their powers to end the violence.” Yunus, known for his pioneering microfinance work, has had a contentious relationship with Prime Minister Hasina, who has accused him of exploiting the poor.
Diplomats in Dhaka have questioned the Bangladeshi authorities’ severe response to the protests. Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud briefed ambassadors on July 21, showing a video that sources say focused on damage caused by protesters. U.S. ambassador Peter Haas reportedly criticized the presentation for being one-sided and omitting footage of police firing at unarmed protesters.
With around 18 million young people in Bangladesh out of work, according to government figures, the reintroduction of the quota scheme greatly upset graduates facing an acute job crisis. Although the Supreme Court reduced the reserved jobs from 56% to 7%, mostly for the children and grandchildren of “freedom fighters,” this decision fell short of protesters’ demands to eliminate the category altogether.
Late on July 22, a government order put the Supreme Court’s judgment into effect, approved by Prime Minister Hasina. Critics argue that the quota system is used to place loyalists in public jobs, and opponents accuse Hasina’s government of manipulating the judiciary to its advantage. Hasina, who has ruled since 2009 and won her fourth consecutive election in January in an unopposed vote, faces increasing scrutiny over these allegations.
Analysis
Political
The suspension of protests and the violent crackdown on students highlight significant political challenges for Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government. The unrest has exposed the deep discontent with the current administration’s policies and its handling of dissent. The student protests, driven by frustration over the job quota system, have become a broader symbol of resistance against what many perceive as an increasingly authoritarian regime. The government’s response, including the imposition of a curfew and an internet blackout, has drawn international criticism and could strain diplomatic relations, particularly with Western nations advocating for human rights and democratic principles.
The political fallout from this unrest could be substantial. If the government fails to address the students’ demands adequately, it risks further alienating the youth and potentially inciting more widespread civil disobedience. The opposition, particularly the Bangladesh National Party (BNP), could leverage this discontent to galvanize support against the ruling Awami League, potentially reshaping the political landscape ahead of future elections.
Social
Socially, the protests and subsequent crackdown have brought to light the deep-seated frustrations of Bangladesh’s youth, who face high unemployment and limited opportunities. The government’s heavy-handed response, including reports of undercover police beating protest leaders, has sparked outrage and highlighted issues of police brutality and human rights abuses. The suspension of protests, while temporary, underscores the resilience and determination of the student movement.
The internet blackout has also had significant social implications, cutting off millions from information and communication. This move has been widely criticized as an attempt to stifle dissent and control the narrative. The government’s actions have led to a growing sense of distrust and disillusionment among the populace, particularly the younger generation, who feel their voices are being suppressed.
Racial
The protests have not prominently featured racial issues, but the broader implications of government favoritism and quota systems can intersect with ethnic and regional identities. The job reservation system, intended to benefit certain groups, has inadvertently highlighted divisions and perceptions of inequality. Ensuring fair and merit-based job allocation is crucial to maintaining social harmony and addressing grievances that may have racial or ethnic undertones.
Gender
Gender perspectives in the context of these protests reveal underlying issues of gender inequality within both the student movement and the government’s response. Women students participating in the protests have faced similar dangers as their male counterparts, highlighting their active role in political activism. However, gender-specific challenges, such as harassment and discrimination, may exacerbate their vulnerabilities during such unrest.
Promoting gender equality within the student movement and ensuring that women’s voices are heard in the reform process is essential. The government’s response should also consider the impact on women and take measures to protect their rights and safety during periods of civil unrest.
Economic
Economically, the unrest and subsequent government crackdown could have significant repercussions. The protests highlight the acute job crisis in Bangladesh, with millions of young people unemployed. The dissatisfaction with the job quota system is rooted in the broader economic challenges facing the country, including a lack of job opportunities and economic disparity.
The government’s ability to address these economic grievances will be crucial in restoring stability. Failing to do so could result in prolonged unrest and further economic disruption. The internet blackout, while intended to control the situation, may also hinder economic activities, particularly in the digital and communication sectors, exacerbating the economic impact of the protests
