Student protests demanding quota reforms have continued for several days in Bangladesh. Although initially peaceful, the situation escalated into violence on Monday after attacks by the Chhatra League. The campuses of Dhaka University, Jahangirnagar University, and Chittagong University, among others, have turned into battlegrounds.
Global Media Attention
While the protests have been covered by Bangladeshi media from the start, Monday’s events caught the attention of international media. Al Jazeera reported, “At least 100 Bangladeshi students injured in protests against government job quotas,” shortly after the Chhatra League’s attacks at Dhaka University.
According to the report, clashes between ruling party supporters and quota reform protesters left at least 100 students injured. Police and eyewitnesses described hours of confrontations involving stone-throwing, sticks, and iron rods.
Additional Reports
Reuters also reported on the clashes, noting that over 100 students were injured across Bangladesh. They emphasized that this is the first major protest Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has faced since winning her fourth consecutive term in January’s elections.
Police and eyewitnesses reported thousands of quota reform activists and Awami League student wing members clashing at various universities, with many students getting injured. Despite the violence, protesters vowed to continue their demonstrations nationwide.
Historical Context
BBC covered the protests five days earlier, highlighting that thousands of university students in Bangladesh were protesting the quota system in government jobs. They argued that the current system is discriminatory and demanded reforms based on merit.
Recent Developments
On Tuesday, Anadolu Agency reported on the Monday clashes, stating that hundreds were injured during the confrontations. The protests erupted in response to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s remarks on the quota system, with thousands gathering at Dhaka University.
Medical and Casualty Reports
Dhaka Medical College Hospital’s emergency unit reported treating 250 students, with 11 admitted for serious injuries. Clashes were also reported at Jahangirnagar, Chittagong, Rajshahi, and Sylhet universities. Students from private universities in Dhaka joined the protests as well.
Asif Mahmud, a coordinator of the quota reform movement, claimed that over 200 students were injured in attacks by the Chhatra League. In contrast, Chhatra League President Saddam Hossain claimed that over 100 of their activists were injured by protesting students.
