Clashes Leave 100 Injured as Students Clash Over Quota System in Bangladesh
In Dhaka, Bangladesh, clashes erupted on Monday between rival student groups, resulting in at least 100 injuries. The confrontation pitted demonstrators opposing quotas for government jobs against counter-protesters aligned with the ruling Awami League party, according to police reports.
Witnesses and police stated that the violence unfolded at Dhaka University campus, where hundreds of anti-quota protesters clashed with students supporting the ruling party. The conflict involved hurling rocks, wielding sticks, and using iron rods, with some participants reportedly armed with machetes and petrol bombs.
Mostajirur Rahman, chief of a local police station, described the clash as involving stick fights and rock-throwing among the students. Police Inspector Masud Mia confirmed that around 100 students, including women, were injured and transported to hospitals, with more casualties expected.
The protests initially began earlier in the month, demanding a merit-based system instead of the current quota system which reserves more than half of prestigious civil service posts for specific groups, including descendants of 1971 liberation war heroes. Despite a suspension of the quota scheme by Bangladesh’s highest court, protests have continued.
Anti-quota protesters accused the ruling party’s youth faction of instigating the violence, alleging attacks on their peaceful procession with weapons like rods, sticks, and rocks. According to Nahid Islam, the national coordinator of the anti-quota protests, around 150 students, including 30 women, were injured, with some in serious condition.
Critics argue that the quota system benefits children of pro-government factions supporting Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The protests coincide with broader discontent following January’s general election, which was marred by opposition boycotts and a crackdown on dissent.
One injured student, Shahinur Shumi, recounted the surprise attack during what she described as a peaceful protest, where ruling party students allegedly assaulted them with various weapons. The protests caused significant disruption, including a blockade near the US embassy by hundreds of chanting students.
The unrest also saw nighttime marches in multiple universities, protesting remarks by Prime Minister Hasina that some students perceived as derogatory. Participants voiced opposition to comparisons with collaborators of the Pakistani army during Bangladesh’s war of independence.
“This is unacceptable,” said a Dhaka University student, requesting anonymity due to fear of reprisal.
