Bangladesh Eases Curfew as Tensions Ease: What’s Next for the Unrest?
Bangladesh police during protests
Bangladesh Eases Curfew Amid Receding Unrest
Bangladesh has eased its nationwide curfew as tensions from recent unrest begin to subside. The violence, triggered by contentious civil service hiring rules, left a significant impact on the country.
Curfew Relaxation
On Thursday, the government further relaxed the curfew, allowing free movement from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. This change comes as student groups consider their next steps in the protest campaign. Despite the relaxation, a nationwide internet shutdown remains largely in effect, and thousands of troops continue to patrol cities.
Impact of the Unrest
Last week’s violence claimed at least 191 lives, including several police officers. This unrest marked one of the worst periods of violence during Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s tenure. The unrest led to widespread disruptions, with streets in Dhaka, the capital city, previously deserted during intense clashes.
Return to Normalcy
Dhaka’s streets now see heavy commuter traffic, a stark contrast to their earlier emptiness. Banks, government offices, and key garment factories, crucial to the economy, reopened on Wednesday after being closed for a week. This return to normalcy reflects a slow but steady recovery from the chaos.
Students Weigh Their Next Move
Student leaders from the group Students Against Discrimination, which organized the protests, plan to meet later today. They will decide whether to extend their protest moratorium, set to expire on Friday. The group has demanded several concessions from the government.
Government Demands
The students seek an apology from Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for the violence against students. They also demand the dismissal of the home and education ministers. Asif Mahmud, a coordinator for the group, claims the reported death toll is understated and their organization is compiling its own list of confirmed deaths.
Arrests and Ongoing Tensions
Since the unrest began, police have arrested at least 2,500 individuals. The violence erupted following the reintroduction of a hiring quota scheme, which reserved more than half of government jobs for specific candidates, including descendants of war veterans.
Criticism of the Quota System
The quota system has been highly controversial. Critics argue it is used to favor loyalists of Hasina’s Awami League. With approximately 18 million unemployed young people in Bangladesh, the scheme exacerbated frustration among graduates facing a severe jobs crisis.
Supreme Court’s Role
The Supreme Court reduced the number of reserved jobs on Sunday. However, it did not fully meet the protesters’ demands to abolish the quotas. This partial concession has not satisfied the student protesters, who continue to push for more significant changes.
Political Context
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who has ruled Bangladesh since 2009, won her fourth consecutive term in January. This election faced criticism for lacking genuine opposition. Critics also accuse her government of using state institutions to strengthen its grip on power and suppress dissent.
Allegations of Misuse
Human rights groups accuse Hasina’s government of misusing state resources. They claim the administration has engaged in extrajudicial killings of opposition activists to maintain control. These allegations add to the growing list of criticisms against her government’s approach to dissent and governance.
Looking Ahead
As Bangladesh navigates through this period of unrest and recovery, the government’s actions will be closely scrutinized. The easing of curfew restrictions marks a step toward normalcy, but unresolved issues and ongoing demands from protesters suggest that the situation remains fragile.
Bangladesh’s new developments introduce several important regulations and actions. These measures aim to address the underlying issues and restore stability. The government’s response will be crucial in determining the future stability of the country.
