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Updated 9:13pm , July 19, 2024

By M.k.karikalsozhan Blog Reporter

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina announced a nationwide curfew on Friday in response to escalating violence stemming from protests over government job allocations. The unrest, which has resulted in at least 105 fatalities and over 1,500 injuries, marks a significant challenge to Hasina's long-standing administration. The protests, primarily led by students, have intensified over the past week, culminating in severe clashes with security forces.

## Background of the Protests The protests originated from widespread discontent regarding a quota system that allocates up to 30% of government jobs to the descendants of veterans from Bangladesh’s 1971 war of independence against Pakistan. Many demonstrators argue that this system is inequitable, primarily benefiting supporters of Hasina's Awami League party, which played a pivotal role in the independence movement. The protesters are demanding a shift to a merit-based hiring system, reflecting broader frustrations with high unemployment rates among the youth in a country where nearly one-fifth of the 170 million population is under 30 years old.

## Government Response and Curfew Implementation

In an effort to restore order, the government has deployed military troops across the nation and enforced a curfew that took effect immediately. Dhaka, the capital, has seen a complete ban on public gatherings, a drastic measure aimed at curbing further violence. Reports indicate that security forces have used live ammunition and tear gas against protesters, leading to a tragic escalation of violence. An Associated Press report noted that police fired at a crowd of over 1,000 protesters who had gathered outside the national television broadcaster's office, resulting in significant destruction and further casualties.

## International Reactions and Evacuations

The situation has drawn international attention, with the United Nations urging an investigation into the deaths of protesters. The Indian High Commission in Dhaka has been actively working to ensure the safety of Indian nationals, particularly students, amidst the unrest. As of Friday evening, approximately 245 Indians, including 125 students, had returned home through designated border crossings. The Indian government has assured the safety of its citizens, with around 15,000 Indians, including 8,500 students, currently residing in Bangladesh.

## Continuing Unrest and Calls for Change

Despite the curfew and military presence, protests continue, with demonstrators vowing to maintain their demands for the abolition of the quota system. The unrest reflects deeper societal issues, including economic challenges and political dissatisfaction. The protests have become a symbol of the youth's discontent with a system perceived as rigged against them, igniting calls for accountability and reform within the government

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The Impact of the Quota System on Career Prospects for Young People in Bangladesh

The quota system in Bangladesh has significantly impacted the career prospects of young people in several ways:

Limited merit-based opportunities: The quota system reserves up to 56% of government jobs for specific groups, leaving only 44% of positions available for merit-based selection. This has severely restricted opportunities for many qualified young candidates who do not fall under the quota categories

Increased competition: With fewer merit-based positions available, competition for the remaining slots has intensified. In 2023, around 346,000 candidates competed for just 3,300 government jobs, highlighting the extreme competition faced by young job seekers

Frustration and protests: The perceived unfairness of the quota system has led to widespread frustration among students and young graduates. This has resulted in large-scale protests and movements demanding reforms or abolition of the quota system

Mismatch between education and job market needs: The focus on securing government jobs through the quota system has contributed to a mismatch between university education and the skills required in the job market. This has left many graduates unprepared for available private sector positions.

Higher unemployment among graduates: University graduates in Bangladesh face higher rates of unemployment compared to their less-educated peers. This suggests that the current system, including the quota provisions, is not effectively addressing the employment needs of educated youth.

Brain drain: The lack of suitable job opportunities, partly due to the quota system, has led many qualified graduates to seek employment overseas, resulting in a "brain drain" for Bangladesh.

Underrepresentation of certain groups: While the quota system aims to provide opportunities for historically disadvantaged groups, it has been criticized for not adequately addressing the needs of all underrepresented communities, such as religious minorities like Christians.

The impact of the quota system on young people's career prospects in Bangladesh is complex and multifaceted. While it aims to provide opportunities for certain groups, it has also created challenges for many young job seekers, contributing to a broader employment crisis in the country.

## Conclusion

The situation in Bangladesh remains fluid as Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's government grapples with the fallout from these protests. The curfew and military deployment signify a critical moment in the nation's political landscape, highlighting the urgent need for dialogue and resolution. As the protests evolve, the demand for a more equitable job allocation system continues to resonate with the youth, potentially reshaping the future of governance in Bangladesh. The coming days will be crucial in determining whether the government can quell the unrest and address the underlying issues that have sparked such widespread discontent.