How Bangladesh can return to normalcy after exiting its quota dilemma?

The quota reform movement in Bangladesh has intensified into a serious crisis characterized by widespread violence and human rights violations. The protests were sparked by students’ demands to reform the government’s quota system, which allocated 30% of government jobs exclusively to descendants of freedom fighters. The quota was initially revoked in response to previous protests in 2018, but its reinstatement by the High Court in June 2024 has once again sparked a more violent movement by students. The student protests have been characterized by intense violence and clashes with security forces, highlighting the ongoing debate around fairness and meritocracy.

The government’s response, including unchecked use of force by the police, has further intensified student discontent and resistance. The involvement of the pro-government Bangladesh Chhatra League, including its attacks on protesters, has compounded the critical situation. The government’s actions, such as shutting down the 4G network, highlight its efforts to manipulate history and suppress movement and dissent. The protests have been characterized by significant public unrest, highlighting fundamental questions of equity and justice in Bangladesh’s employment policies. The current turbulence has illustrated the powerful convergence of historical legacies, political maneuvering, and youth activism.

Genesis of the current crisis

In June 2024, following the High Court’s decision to uphold the existing quota system, students from various universities in Dhaka launched a new wave of the quota reform movement. After a brief hiatus for Eid and summer vacations, the movement resumed peacefully. It quickly gained momentum, spreading to various public universities, including the University of Dhaka, Rajshahi University, and Chittagong University. Private institutions such as North South University and BRAC University also joined the movement. These protests, commonly known as the Bangla Blockade, led to disruptions to several services, including national trains and road transport networks.

In this context, the Appeals Chamber finally decreed a four-week status quo on 10 July, revoking the quota of freedom fighters. Despite this positive step by the government, protesters continued to demand a permanent solution from the government. In the meantime, teachers at public universities began protesting against a new pension scheme, which led to the closure of universities on 1 July. By 7 July, the protests had spread across the country, causing major disruptions in cities such as Dhaka, Chittagong and Rajshahi.

On July 11, a confrontation between police and students led to an outbreak of violence. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s controversial remarks on July 14 demanding the removal of reservation policy further escalated tensions. The ruling Awami League, through its student wing, the Chhatra League, forcefully suppressed the protests, resulting in many casualties. In response, protesters at Rajshahi and Dhaka universities evicted Chhatra League members from their respective campuses, declaring that several universities no longer belonged to the Chhatra League.

The movement turned violent

The violence left more than 300 people dead and over 2,000 injured. The official government death toll was over 200, but unofficial sources put the number of casualties higher. Security forces used lethal and non-lethal weapons, causing many casualties. In addition, over 2,500 people were arbitrarily arrested and over 61,000 protesters were charged in various judicial proceedings. The government imposed an internet shutdown on 18 July, and when it was partially restored five days later, it exacerbated the unrest and limited access to information.

Calls for justice and accountability have intensified, with demands for the release of arrested movement leaders and a transparent investigation into the injuries and deaths. The current situation remains highly volatile, characterized by persistent public disapproval and the use of social media platforms by students to express their disapproval, despite the implementation of harsh measures to suppress their dissent. These incidents underscore the urgency of a peaceful resolution and commitment to human rights to address the concerns of the protesters and restore stability in the country.

Students’ demands

The anti-discrimination student movement initially demanded the cancellation of the current quota system for government jobs and the implementation of fair quotas for minority groups and people with disabilities, as well as the creation of a new quota system limited to 5% of all jobs through a law passed by parliament. However, in response to the outbreak of violence during the protests, the movement has amended its demands to a nine-point programme. It is demanding that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina issue a public apology and take responsibility for the deaths of the students. In addition, it is demanding the resignation of Interior Minister Asaduzzaman Khan and Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader, as they are suspected of playing a role in inciting the violence.

In addition, the students demanded the dismissal of police officers in the areas where the violence took place. Moreover, the students demanded the resignation of the vice-chancellors and invigilators of Dhaka, Jahangirnagar and Rajshahi universities, who have failed to control the violence on university campuses. They also demanded a complete ban on student politics in all educational institutions across the country, arrest and surveillance of individuals involved in the attacks, financial compensation for the families of the deceased and injured students, early resumption of all educational institutions and student dormitories, and withdrawal of law enforcement and security personnel from educational institutions to ensure a peaceful atmosphere.

Prime Minister resigns and violence

On 5 August 2024, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned and fled Bangladesh to India with her sister, Sheikh Rehana. Army Chief of Staff Waker-uz-Zaman advocated for the formation of an interim government that would not include the Awami League. He pledged to conduct a military inquiry into the violence and ordered security personnel to refrain from using firearms against the masses. The curfew was lifted and offices, businesses and schools were asked to resume operations. President Mohammed Shahabuddin issued a directive to release the arrested students and political opponent Khaleda Zia, in response to a joint agreement reached by opposition parties and the military.

Since the prime minister’s resignation, Bangladesh has been the scene of widespread violence. Protesters have defaced monuments to Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, damaged the Awami League headquarters, and targeted buildings associated with the party. Government opponents have targeted prominent monuments, including the Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre and the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban. Pro-government media outlets have been set on fire and police stations have been attacked, resulting in many injuries and extensive destruction of property. The surge in violence highlights deep resentment, the breakdown of societal structures, and the difficulties in effectively controlling such turbulence.

In order to address this issue in Bangladesh, a number of crucial steps need to be taken. The interim government should be formed soon. However, it should be inclusive and independent of any external influence in order to restore the confidence of students and ensure fair elections. Accountability and transparency should be ensured through thorough investigations into the violence that has affected both protesters and law enforcement.

Reforms to the employment quota system must be implemented in a transparent manner, ensuring active engagement of all stakeholders through dialogues and discussions. It is imperative to maintain and respect human rights guarantees, such as the right to freedom of expression and the right to peaceful assembly. Strengthening civic institutions such as the police and the judiciary is essential to ensure fairness and efficiency. In addition, seeking foreign assistance for humanitarian aid and mediation can contribute to resolving the problem.

Ultimately, the main lesson to be learned from this crisis is that the government must carefully consider and address the legitimate demands of students and youth, who have played a crucial role in nation building and promoting peace, prosperity and stability in the country.

About the authors:

Professor Bawa SIngh, Department of South and Central Asian Studies, School of International Studies, Central University of Punjab.
Dr. Aslam Khan, Associate Professor, Department of Gandhi and Peace Studies, Mahatma Gandhi Central University, Motihari, Bihar, India