National
Quota Reform Movement in Global Media
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.
The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) has received five fresh complaints of murder, genocide and crimes against humanity against a total of 228 people including ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina.
Confirming the matter to BSS, ICT prosecutor Gazi MH Tamim said the complaints were filed with the office of the chief prosecutor on Sunday.
Charges were brought against Sheikh Hasina and 64 others over the killings of college students Nure Alam Siddique Rakib and Zubayer on the Mymensingh-Kishoreganj Highway on July 20. Rakib’s father Abdul Halim and Zubayer’s father Anwar Uddin filed the complaint yesterday.
Sheikh Hasina and 27 others were accused of the killing of Maruf Hossain in front of BRAC University in the capital’s Badda area on July 19. Maruf’s father Mohammad Idris filed the complaint.
One Shafikul Islam Sarkar filed the third complaint against Sheikh Hasina and other unnamed accused over the killing of his son Faisal Sarkar on July 19 in Uttara Abdullahpur area.
Hasina was accused along with 75 others in another complaint filed over the killing of Mahfuzur Rahman, 25, in Mirpur-10 intersection area on July 19. Mahfuzur’s father Abdul Mannan filed the complaint.
One Mohammad Amanullah filed another complaint against ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina and 57 others over the killing of his son Samiu Aman Nur, 13, in Uttara Azampur Footover Bridge area on August 5.
The holy Eid-e-Miladunnabi, commemorating the birth and demise of Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH), is being observed across Bangladesh today with profound religious reverence. The observance was confirmed during the National Moon Sighting Committee’s meeting on September 4, held at the Islamic Foundation’s Conference Room in Baitul Mukarram National Mosque. The meeting was chaired by the Secretary of the Ministry of Religious Affairs, Md Abdul Hamid Jamaddar, as announced in a press release.
The committee confirmed that the moon of Rabiul Awal 1446 Hijri was sighted in the sky of Bangladesh on September 4, marking the beginning of the holy month of Rabiul Awal from September 5 (Thursday).
On this day in 570, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was born in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, bringing divine blessings and messages of peace to humanity. He passed away on the same date, 12th Rabiul Awal, of the Hijri calendar.
In honor of the occasion, President Mohammed Shahabuddin and the Chief Adviser to the interim government, Prof Dr Muhammad Yunus, issued separate messages, extending greetings to the people of Bangladesh and Muslims worldwide.
To mark the day, Bangladesh Television (BTV) and Bangladesh Betar are airing special programmes, while various national newspapers have published supplements underscoring the significance of the event. The day is also observed as a public holiday throughout the country.
In a meeting held on Saturday (14 September), garment factory owners across the country unanimously agreed to resume operations starting today. However, it was also decided that individual factories may be closed according to legal procedures, in order to protect the industry and national interests, while safeguarding workers’ employment. This measure would apply particularly if workers refuse to work, leave the premises, or attempt to instigate disturbances.
The decision came during a discussion on the current crisis facing the ready-made garment (RMG) industry, held at the BGMEA complex in Uttara, Dhaka. The meeting, chaired by BGMEA president Khandaker Rafiqul Islam, was attended by key government advisers and leaders from BGMEA, BKMEA, and labor unions.
Expressing serious concern about the ongoing labor unrest, participants warned that the instability could jeopardize the vital export-oriented garment sector. The advisers urged factory owners to continue operations and assured them of government support, including enhanced security measures, should unrest arise.
