Bangladesh Students Threaten New Protests

AFP/APP
Dhaka:Bangladesh is facing the possibility of renewed demonstrations as a student-led protest movement warned it would restart its campaign unless detained leaders are released and legal cases against them are withdrawn.

The warning comes after a week of deadly unrest that left more than 200 people dead, according to figures compiled from police and hospital data, marking one of the biggest challenges to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government during her 15 years in power.

The Students Against Discrimination group, which originally launched protests against government job quotas, announced it would end its temporary pause in demonstrations if its demands were not met by Sunday.

Group spokesperson Abdul Hannan Masud called for the release of protest leader Nahid Islam and other detained organizers, while also demanding action against officials and police personnel accused of responsibility for the deaths during the clashes.

The movement’s leadership crisis deepened after Nahid Islam and two other senior members were taken from a Dhaka hospital by plainclothes detectives shortly after receiving treatment for injuries. Authorities said the move was carried out for their protection, though officials did not confirm whether they had been formally arrested.

The crackdown has led to thousands of arrests across the country, with local media reporting that more than 9,000 people have been detained since the unrest began.

Meanwhile, security measures remain in place, with army patrols continuing and a nationwide curfew still active, although restrictions have gradually been eased in some areas. Mobile internet services have also been restored after an 11-day shutdown.

The unrest was triggered by opposition to the government’s civil service quota system, which reserved a large share of government jobs for certain categories. Critics argued the policy limited opportunities for millions of unemployed young graduates and benefited supporters of the ruling Awami League.

Although Bangladesh’s Supreme Court reduced the quota allocation, protesters said the decision did not fully address their demand for a complete overhaul of the system.

The latest crisis has placed fresh pressure on Sheikh Hasina’s government, which began its fourth consecutive term after an election earlier this year that was criticized by opposition groups and international observers.

With student leaders threatening to return to the streets, Bangladesh now faces a critical period as authorities attempt to restore stability while protesters push for accountability and political reforms.