DHAKA: Pakistani students in Dhaka have been urged to take all possible precautions and distance themselves from the violent protests currently engulfing the city. The unrest stems from a contentious job quota system, which has sparked significant outrage among the student population.
The protests turned deadly this week, resulting in the deaths of six individuals and numerous injuries. In response, the Bangladeshi government has announced the indefinite closure of all public and private universities starting today.
Protests against job quota system
For weeks, Bangladesh has witnessed escalating demonstrations against public sector job quotas. These quotas include a 30% reservation for descendants of freedom fighters from the 1971 War of Independence from Pakistan, a policy that has incited anger among students facing high youth unemployment rates. Approximately 32 million young Bangladeshis are currently not in work or education out of a total population of 170 million.
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Advisory for Pakistani students
Pakistan’s High Commissioner in Bangladesh, Syed Ahmad Maroof, has advised Pakistani students to remain inside their hostels and avoid the protests. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar has been in communication with High Commissioner Maroof to discuss the welfare of Pakistani nationals in Bangladesh.
The High Commissioner reported on the security measures in place and the steps taken by the high commission to ensure the safety of Pakistanis. Additionally, a helpline has been established for those in distress.
Government’s response
During their discussion, Foreign Minister Dar directed Maroof to prioritise the welfare of Pakistani students, particularly those residing on Dhaka campuses. He also emphasized maintaining close contact with local authorities to guarantee the students’ safety.
Unrest in Bangladesh
The ongoing Dhaka protests are in opposition to the quota system for government jobs, which includes a significant reservation for relatives of freedom fighters. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s refusal to meet the protesters’ demands, citing ongoing court proceedings, has further inflamed tensions. She labeled those opposing the quota as “razakar,” a term historically used for collaborators during the 1971 war.
This week’s protests saw violent clashes between anti-quota demonstrators and the student wing of the ruling Awami League party. Police used rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse the crowds, resulting in six fatalities, including at least three students.
Government measures
In response to the violence, riot police and the Border Guard Bangladesh paramilitary force have been deployed to university campuses across the country. The University Grants Commission has ordered the immediate shutdown of all universities, and students have been instructed to vacate premises for security reasons. High schools, colleges, and other educational institutions have also been closed.
Authorities have conducted raids, including at the headquarters of the main opposition party, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), resulting in several arrests.
Economic context
Experts attribute the unrest to stagnant private sector job growth, making government positions, which offer regular wage hikes and other privileges, increasingly desirable. Currently, 56% of government jobs in Bangladesh are reserved under various quotas, including 10% for women, 10% for people from underdeveloped districts, 5% for indigenous communities, and 1% for people with disabilities.