Six die in violent clashes in Bangladesh varsities, govt orders indefinite closure of schools

The decision was announced by the Ministry of Education on Tuesday, citing the need to ensure the safety of students after clashes broke out between demonstrators and pro-government student groups.

However, the order excludes universities where most protesting students are enrolled, as the Education Ministry lacks the authority to order their closure.

Tuesday witnessed a sharp escalation in violence as protests demanding quota system reforms spread across major Bangladesh cities, a day after it took a violent turn after a week of street demonstrations. Police responded by dispersing rallies with tear gas and rubber bullets.

The unrest resulted in at least six deaths on Tuesday alone, with fatalities reported in Chittagong, Dhaka, and Rangpur.

Multiple people were injured as clashes intensified in several cities, prompting authorities to deploy the paramilitary Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) in key urban centers to maintain law and order amidst the ongoing demonstrations.

However, the situation quickly escalated, with reports of vandalism, arson, and attacks on public property.

Authorities said the protests have now taken a “violent turn,” prompting the drastic measure to shut down educational institutions until the unrest can be brought under control.

“The safety of our students is our top priority,” said Education Minister Dipu Moni. “We have no choice but to close the schools indefinitely to prevent further loss of life and property.”

Violence erupted in Dhaka as clashes between ruling Awami League activists and protestors demanding reforms to Bangladesh’s civil service quota system escalated.

The demonstrators, predominantly university students, accused the government’s student wing of orchestrating attacks on their peaceful protests, which seek to abolish quotas they claim hinder merit-based employment opportunities.

The unrest saw highways and railway routes blockaded in multiple cities, including Dhaka, Rajshahi, Khulna, and Chattogram, while police used tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse crowds.

Under the current system, quotas reserve government jobs for various groups, sparking criticism that it limits opportunities for talented candidates.

Despite recent judicial interventions temporarily halting quota reinstatements, protests continue to disrupt daily life in Dhaka, prompting international calls for authorities to ensure the safety of peaceful demonstrators.