Bangladesh Internet Blackout Enters Fifth Day as Government Grapples with Violent Protests

The South Asian nation remains under tight control after a controversial court ruling on job quotas sparked deadly clashes between police and protesters. Internet services have been shut down for a fifth consecutive day as the government struggles to quell unrest.

Bangladesh remains under a tight grip of control as the government attempts to quell violent protests that erupted over a controversial court ruling regarding a government job quota system. The country has been without internet connectivity for five consecutive days, leaving citizens in the dark amid ongoing unrest.

The protests, which have been ongoing since the Supreme Court's decision, have resulted in clashes between police and demonstrators demanding the abolition of a 30% job quota for relatives of war veterans. The quota system has been criticized as discriminatory, favoring supporters of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's ruling Awami League party.

Bangladesh Internet Blackout Enters Fifth Day as Government Grapples with Violent Protests

In response to the unrest, the government implemented a curfew with shoot-on-sight orders and deployed military personnel to patrol major areas, including the capital, Dhaka. Local newspapers report that over a hundred people have been killed in the violence, although official figures have not yet been released.

Amid the apparent calm following the Supreme Court's order to reduce the veterans' quota to 5%, there have been no immediate reports of violence on Monday morning. However, student protesters have urged the government to restore internet services and end a "digital crackdown."

Bangladesh Internet Blackout Enters Fifth Day as Government Grapples with Violent Protests

"We are issuing an ultimatum for 48 hours to stop the digital crackdown and restore internet connectivity," said Hasnat Abdullah, a coordinator of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement. "Security officials deployed at various universities should be withdrawn, student dormitories reopened, and steps taken so students can return to their campuses safely."

Protesters have also demanded the resignation of university officials for failing to protect campuses. "We cannot step back from our movement like cowards," said Sarjis Alam, another Anti-Discrimination Student Movement coordinator.

Bangladesh Internet Blackout Enters Fifth Day as Government Grapples with Violent Protests

The US Embassy in Dhaka has described the situation as "extremely volatile" and "unpredictable," advising Americans to exercise caution and reconsider travel plans. The protests have posed the most significant challenge to Bangladesh's government since Prime Minister Hasina's reelection in January.

The quota system has been a contentious issue in Bangladesh, with critics arguing that it benefits supporters of the ruling party and undermines merit-based recruitment. Prime Minister Hasina has defended the system, stating that veterans deserve the highest respect regardless of political affiliation.

Bangladesh Internet Blackout Enters Fifth Day as Government Grapples with Violent Protests

The main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party has backed the protests, vowing to organize its own demonstrations. The Awami League and the BNP have often accused each other of fueling political chaos and violence, particularly in the lead-up to the country's national election, which was marred by a crackdown on opposition figures.

As the situation remains uncertain, it is unclear when the internet blackout will be lifted, and whether the government can successfully quell the protests and restore order to the country. The ongoing unrest highlights the deep-seated tensions surrounding the job quota system and the challenges facing the Bangladeshi government in addressing demands for a more equitable and merit-based recruitment process.