But, the protest by students across Bangladesh over the way civil service recruitment is done have continued to escalate up until Friday when at least 39 people had died. Students clashed with police and members of Bangladesh Chhatra League, the ruling Awami League’s student wing.
Protesters are demanding a system based on merit in a country where nearly 32 million young people are out of work or education.
Here are the main events:
Why did they protest?
The demonstrations began last month following a High Court decision that restored a quota system for government jobs after it was scrapped by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government in 2018.
Till then, this system reserved 30% of jobs for descendants of freedom fighters who fought for independence from Pakistan in 1971. That too led to mass demonstrations by students.
However, the Supreme Court put the order of high court on hold pending hearing and final determination of governments petition on August 7th .
Nevertheless, when Hasina failed to honour their requests under this justification, pupils decided to intensify their protest actions.
Communication channels interrupted
Bangladesh experienced widespread disruptions in telecommunications on Friday as violence resulting from protesters’ encounters with law enforcers intensified. In an effort to quell unrest, mobile services were suspended on Thursday but on Friday morning disruptions spread throughout the entire country. Most calls from abroad either could not go through or were simply terminated once connected via internet telephony.
Websites hacked
“The R3 sistan c3” is believed to be responsible for hacking a number of government websites including those belonging to Bangladesh Bank, Prime Minister’s Office and Police headquarters.
“Operation Hunt Down Stop Killing Students” read messages that appeared simultaneously saying “It has ceased being protest any longer; it is war now,” written in red letters.
Another message says “Prepare yourselves. The fight for justice has begun”, adding that “The government has shut down the internet to silence us and hide their actions. We need to stay informed about what is happening on the ground.”
Rallies Prohibited
Bangladesh’s capital city, Dhaka, has witnessed the first ever ban of all public rallies since the demonstrations began in anticipation of violence.
“All kinds of rallies processions and gatherings are banned for today in Dhaka,” said police commissioner Habibur Rahman.
In addition, train services have been suspended by the government after a violent protest campaign.
Advisory for Indians issued by Indian high commission
The MEA advisory stated that as far as movement is concerned, High Commission and Assistant High Commissions will be available on helpline numbers to help Indian nationals in case they require any assistance. It also advised them not to venture beyond their places of stay.
