Bangladesh Internet Shutdown Amidst Protests, 39 Reported Dead

Bangladesh Faces Nationwide Internet Blackout Amid Violent Student Protests

Bangladesh is currently experiencing a nationwide internet shutdown as intense clashes between student protesters and police have resulted in the reported deaths of at least 39 people. According to data from monitoring service NetBlocks, the internet blackout commenced on Thursday and is unrelated to global issues affecting other sectors. The unrest is driven by student anger over the government’s job quota policy, which reserves 30% of government jobs for relatives of veterans from the 1971 war of independence. Critics argue this system has been abused, exacerbating youth unemployment which currently stands at approximately 40%.

The violent protests saw students attempting to paralyze transport networks and businesses after university closures by the authorities. In Dhaka, the capital, the local police have prohibited all public rallies in response to the turmoil. Reports indicate that protesters have also set fire to various government buildings, including the state broadcaster and the national disaster management agency, while hackers defaced the official Bangladesh police website.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who recently secured her fourth consecutive term, faces a significant challenge as these protests threaten economic stability at a time when Bangladesh is pursuing financial assistance from creditors and the International Monetary Fund. In a televised address, Hasina reassured students to trust the judicial process, indicating a judicial committee would investigate the violence, while vowing to take tough measures against those responsible. The Supreme Court is set to review the job quota policy case on Sunday, which initially sparked the protests after a lower court's ruling reinstated the quota system.

The United States, a major buyer of Bangladesh’s exports and a known critic of Hasina's administration, condemned the ongoing violence. The US State Department emphasized the importance of ensuring freedom of expression without violence, expressing close attention to the situation in Bangladesh. Meanwhile, the Bangladesh government has not made any official comments on the reported death toll or internet outages.

Students have called for the job quota system to be replaced with a merit-based approach, arguing that the current system favors Hasina’s supporters and blocks opportunities for new job seekers. Government employment is particularly coveted in Bangladesh, especially as the nation grapples with economic challenges post-pandemic. The protests, which began peacefully, escalated earlier this week and have since been joined by the country's main opposition party.

Economic and Political Implications

Economists warn that the continued unrest could further slow economic recovery efforts. Bangladesh's foreign-exchange reserves have been depleting, necessitating financial aid from international bodies. The political landscape might also see shifts, with growing dissatisfactions among the youth potentially translating into broader opposition against the current government.

Conclusion

The unfolding situation in Bangladesh highlights the volatility stemming from deep-rooted policy issues and economic pressures. The coming days, particularly the Supreme Court's decision on the jobs quota policy, will be critical in determining the country's trajectory amidst this chaos.