In a renewed display of dissent, students in Dhaka have revived protests against the government’s quota system in public sector jobs, stirring significant unrest at Shahbag intersection. The protestors, braving the rain, have taken to the streets to demand the annulment of the 2018 circular that supports the existing quota system.
The student-led movement gathered momentum on Thursday, July 4, around 11:30 AM near the central library. Chanting slogans and waving banners, the protestors made their way through various key points around Dhaka University, including the Master Da Surya Sen Hall and the Vice-Chancellor’s residence, ultimately culminating their march at Shahbag intersection around 12:18 PM.
Despite the heavy presence of police forces, there were no attempts to impede the protestors, who are continuing to voice their demands against the quota system at the Shahbag intersection.
This series of protests, under the banner of ‘Anti-Discrimination Student Movement’, follows a series of similar actions that started on July 1. Yesterday’s demonstrations involved blocking the Shahbag intersection for nearly one and a half hours.
Earlier today, in a move to prevent students from joining the protest, the main gate of Master Da Surya Sen Hall at Dhaka University was locked by members of the student league. This action was met with criticism, leading to the gates being opened later, although some students were still prevented from leaving the hall.
The resurgence of these protests underscores the ongoing tensions surrounding the quota system in Bangladesh, with students and job seekers calling for a more merit-based approach to public sector recruitment.