Bangladesh Quota Protests Escalate: Violence Erupts in Dhaka

Violence escalated in the streets of Dhaka, Bangladesh as protests against government job quotas turned violent, with clashes between the police and demonstrators leaving at least 19 people dead. The demonstrations, which have been ongoing for weeks, have seen protesters demanding equal opportunities for government jobs by opposing the special quotas reserved for veterans of the War of Liberation, minorities, and tribal communities.

On Thursday, the unrest reached a tipping point as protesters vandalized vehicles, set fire to the State-run Bangladesh TV (BTV) broadcasting unit in Dhaka, and engaged in confrontations with law enforcement. The demonstrations prompted Bangladeshi authorities to block mobile internet in an effort to quell the protests.

Indian government officials have yet to release an official statement regarding the protests, which led to Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina cutting short her visit to China. The demonstrations have caught the government off guard, as the protesters refuse to back down until their demands for greater job opportunities are met.

Following the violent clashes, Law Minister Anisul Huq expressed willingness on behalf of the government to engage in dialogue with the protesters. However, protest leader Hasnat Abdullah declared that no dialogue would take place while blood continues to be shed in the streets.

The situation remains tense in Dhaka, with rumors spreading rapidly due to the lack of internet access and the shutdown of the state broadcaster, BTV. The protests have also drawn support from the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party, which has critiqued the government for high inflation and unemployment rates.

India, with a significant number of citizens in Bangladesh, has advised its citizens to contact the High Commission of India in Dhaka for consular support amid the escalating unrest.