Bangladesh in Turmoil: 300 Dead Amid Violent Protests Against PM Sheikh Hasina

 Bangladesh in Turmoil: 300 Dead Amid Violent Protests Against PM Sheikh Hasina

At least 98 people were killed and hundreds injured in Bangladesh on Sunday as police deployed tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse tens of thousands demanding Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s resignation. This incident, one of the deadliest in Bangladesh’s recent history, has resulted in over 300 fatalities since the protests began, marking perhaps the biggest challenge in Hasina’s 20-year tenure as Prime Minister. The 76-year-old leader has resigned and fled Ganabhaban, the official residence of the Bangladeshi PM, which has since been stormed by protesters.

The unrest, which began late last month, has its roots in a controversial quota system reserving up to 30% of government jobs for family members of veterans from Bangladesh’s 1971 war of independence against Pakistan. Protesters argue that this system is discriminatory, favoring supporters of Hasina’s Awami League party, and are advocating for a merit-based system instead.

The quota system, established in 1972, was briefly abolished in 2018 before being reinstated. It has long been a point of contention, with critics claiming it unfairly benefits Awami League supporters and limits opportunities for other qualified candidates. Prime Minister Hasina’s public remarks have further fueled the protests, which have since evolved into a broader anti-government movement.

These protests have garnered support from various sectors of society, including film stars, musicians, and garment manufacturers, with rap songs and social media campaigns amplifying the call for Hasina’s resignation. Having ruled since 2009 and secured a fourth consecutive term in January through elections boycotted by the main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party, Hasina faces accusations of entrenching power through state institutions and suppressing dissent. The recent violence underscores the growing dissatisfaction and demand for change among the Bangladeshi populace.

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