The Bangladesh government is using state power to curb a spiralling students’ protest against a controversial reservation policy, intelligence sources said on Thursday. India has issued an advisory urging its nationals and students to stay indoors and avoid all non-essential travel in the neighbouring country.
“Live killings are a major cause of concern,” said an Indian government source. “Bangladeshi students were peacefully protesting against the quota but after an ambush by a government-supported body, Student League, the situation turned violent.”
At least six people have been killed and about 200 injured in clashes so far, according to reports.
Fifty-six per cent of government jobs are reserved under the current quota system with 30 being for the descendants of the 1971 Liberation War freedom fighters, 10 per cent for backward administrative districts, 10 per cent for women, five per cent for ethnic minority groups and one per cent for differently abled people.
Every year some 3,000 government jobs open up to nearly 400,000 graduates. The protesters have waged a campaign for the reform of the system saying it is debarring meritorious students’ recruitment in first-class and second-class government jobs.
The government has turned down their request and is not even ready to talk, according to the sources.
Witnesses say Bangladesh Chhatra League, which is an extension of the ruling party, attacked protesters with rods and sticks.
“We are in touch with everyone (Indian nationals) in Dhaka. We are ensuring the best facilities for Indians and safe evacuation in case this worsens,” said an Indian government source. “An advisory has been issued not to travel and, in case someone is there, to stay inside. So far there is no cause to worry and the top Indian establishment is watching the situation. We are worried about the situation and live killings are happening.”
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