In a dramatic turn of events, Bangladesh witnesses widespread protests against the recent ordinance by the Supreme Court, dramatically altering the quota system in the country. This Sunday, the Supreme Court of Bangladesh issued a landmark ordinance reshaping the quota system, decreeing that a staggering 93% of placements will now be based purely on merit and intellectual capability.
This move, seen as a significant reform towards meritocracy, has sparked both celebration and uproar across the nation. Prime Minister Sheak Hasina, while addressing the nation on Monday, attempted to calm the storm by issuing a communique outlining the government’s stance on the matter. However, the response from Nahid, a prominent leader of the quota movement, was less than favorable. Nahid criticized the communique, alleging that it failed to address the concerns of the protesters adequately.
The protests escalated further as reports emerged of police crackdowns on demonstrators. Nahid himself claimed to have been arrested, blindfolded, assaulted, and abandoned on a road, subsequently requiring hospitalization. These actions have intensified public outcry and drawn widespread condemnation.
Across the border in Kolkata, solidarity echoed as students gathered at Ranuchaya Mancha at Nandan to pay homage to the movement’s martyrs. Additionally, leftist organizations from Jadavpur University organized a protest rally against the alleged brutality inflicted by Bangladeshi authorities.
As Bangladesh navigates through this tumultuous period, one thing is clear: the winds of change have arrived, and the echoes of dissent and solidarity are reverberating not only within its borders but also beyond. The quest for fairness and justice in the country’s educational and employment systems continues to fuel these unprecedented protests, marking a crucial chapter in Bangladesh’s journey towards reform and renewal.
Read more: https://thelocaljournalist.com/unrest-grips-bangladesh-a-nation-on-edge/
