Protests in Bangladesh over the quota system for government jobs have escalated, resulting in over 130 deaths. The demonstrations intensified after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina referred to the protestors as “Razakars,” a term with negative historical connotations. The quota system reserves jobs for descendants of veterans from the 1971 war of independence, leading to allegations of discrimination and favoritism towards the ruling party supporters. Students are advocating for a merit-based system and are critical of Hasina’s leadership.
The term “Razakars” evokes memories of atrocities committed during the 1971 war, where collaborators supported the Pakistani army against Bangladeshi nationalists. Hasina’s government has worked to address historical injustices, including prosecuting war criminals. The recent protests also reflect broader frustrations with high youth unemployment and economic stagnation.
The student demonstrations in Bangladesh have a history of challenging the quota system, which was briefly abolished in 2018 before being reinstated. The Supreme Court’s suspension of the order has left many students feeling ignored. Beyond the quota system, the protests represent a larger dissatisfaction with the government and economic opportunities in the country.
Experts suggest that the students’ protests reflect a broader concern about authoritarianism and lack of democracy in Bangladesh. The government’s efforts to recognize past collaborators, known as “Razakars,” through official lists aim to address historical injustices. However, these efforts have not quelled the students’ demands for a fair and merit-based system for government jobs.
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