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Bangladesh Protests Over Job Quotas Turn Deadly: 180 Killed, 25,000 Arrested

Jul 23, 2024, 08:14 PM

Bangladesh has been engulfed in violent protests over government job quotas, resulting in a significant death toll and widespread unrest. The protests, initially sparked by opposition to quotas reserving nearly 60% of government jobs for certain groups, have escalated into a broader movement against Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's government. Over 180 people have been killed, including several police officers, and more than 25,000 have been arrested, with 1,200 in Dhaka alone. The government responded with a military-style crackdown, leading to allegations of police brutality and torture. Internet and mobile networks were shut down for five days, partially restored later, but social media remains restricted. Despite the violence, the government has agreed to accept a court ruling to reduce the job quotas, a key demand of the protesters. The unrest has significantly disrupted daily life, with curfews imposed and later eased, allowing garment factories, banks, and the stock market to reopen.