Following Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's pledge to investigate the deaths of six demonstrators, protests have persisted. Students are advocating for equal access to public sector jobs.
Bangladesh Suspends Mobile Internet Following Student Protests
Bangladeshi authorities took action on Thursday to suspend several mobile internet services citing "security" concerns following student protests. Zunaid Ahmed Palak, the junior information technology minister, informed reporters that the suspension was prompted by "various rumors and the unstable situation created on social media." Palak indicated that services would be restored once stability returned. Despite shops and offices being open in Dhaka, the capital, fewer buses were observed on the streets. The government also mandated the indefinite closure of schools and universities amidst ongoing protests.
The demonstrations have been driven by students demanding the abolition of a 30% quota reserved for families of those who fought in Bangladesh's 1971 war of independence from Pakistan. Protesters argue that these quotas have exacerbated unemployment across the country, where nearly 32 million people are out of work or education among a population of 170 million.
The protests have turned violent, resulting in at least six deaths and hundreds of injuries in recent days. On Thursday, demonstrations persisted nationwide, with police deploying tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse crowds. Authorities have also closed all public and private universities indefinitely since Wednesday, deploying riot police and paramilitary forces to maintain order on campuses.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina addressed the nation on Wednesday, pledging her government's commitment to establishing a judicial panel to investigate the recent deaths during police actions against protesters. Hasina urged students to await the Supreme Court's decision on the government's appeal against a High Court ruling, which ordered the reinstatement of the 30% quota.