Bangladesh shuts universities as protests over job quota turn violent

Bangladesh announced closure of all public and private universities amid massive country-wide protests against controversial quota system in government jobs. (PTI Photo)

Dhaka University announced a closure due to the violent protest over government job quota reforms, resulting in at least six deaths, including three students. (PTI Photo)

The protests started after Bangladesh High Court restrained the 30% quota for freedom fighters and their descendents in government jobs which was cancelled in 2018 after students and teachers protested. (IANS Photo)

Protestors have demanded the removal of discriminatory quotas from all grades, to limit the overall reservation to 5 % for backward populations as identified in the constitution. (PTI Photo)

The existing system reserves 30% of jobs for descendants of 1971 Liberation War veterans, 10% for administrative districts, 10% for women, 5% for ethnic minority groups, and 1% for physically handicapped people.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina referred to protesters as 'razakars' (traitors), fueling further tensions. (Express Photo by Renuka Puri)

Police have responded with tear gas and rubber bullets, and authorities have deployed paramilitary Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) to maintain law and order. (PTI Photo)

The United Nations Secretary-General spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric urged the Bangladesh government to seek a peaceful resolution and to recognise the right of the protestors to demonstrate peacefully. (UN Photo)

​​Protestors have demanded the removal of discriminatory quotas from all grades, to limit the overall reservation to 5% for backward populations as identified in the constitution, and to pass a bill in parliament to secure this change (PTI Photo)