In Dhaka, tensions have risen as students from BRAC and North South Universities have taken to the streets to demand significant reforms to the government’s job quota system. The protests, which started on July 1st, have seen students blocking major roads, creating substantial traffic disruptions throughout the city. The demonstrators are calling for a merit-based system that would replace the current quota system, which they argue is outdated and unfair.
The situation escalated when, on July 16th, students intensified their efforts by blocking the road in front of North South University’s campus in Bashundhara Residential Area and a major intersection in Merul Badda by BRAC University students. These actions led to a complete halt of traffic, drawing a heavy police presence and security measures in both areas.
The protests have been marked by a series of confrontations between the students, the police, and members of the ruling party’s student wing, which have occasionally turned violent. On the night before the recent protests, clashes at Dhaka University involved student groups and police, with reports of tear gas and baton charges being used to disperse protestors.
Moreover, the protestors’ resolve has hardened following a violent incident involving the student wing of the ruling party, which reportedly attacked protestors with sticks and stones. The students have vowed to continue their agitation until their demands for reforming the quota system are met, emphasizing the need for a fair and transparent system that prioritizes merit over other criteria.
These demonstrations are part of a broader wave of student activism across Bangladesh, as similar protests are occurring in other universities, highlighting widespread discontent with employment policies among the youth. The ongoing protests reflect a critical moment in Bangladesh’s socio-political landscape, with students at the forefront of calling for significant governmental and institutional reforms.