Quota
Reform Movement
The
2024 Bangladesh quota reform movement was a series of anti-government and
pro-democracy protests in Bangladesh, directed primarily by university
students. Initially focused on restructuring quota-based systems for government
job recruitment, the movement expanded against what many perceive as an
authoritarian government when they carried out the July massacre of protestors
and civilians, most of whom were students. It started as a student movement,
the movement later escalated into a mass uprising known as the student–People's
uprising. The quota reform protest started in 2018 but was abruptly dissolved
through harsh and cunning methods. Students and job seekers began their
movement on 5 June 2024 demanding rational reforms in the quota system for
government jobs. The movement has been joined by numerous students across the
country both from private and public universities, indicating that the protest
is close to people's hearts and they find the demands logical. In the past
couple of years, no other protest has been able to mobilise so many students.
The reason behind such huge participation is that many students go through the
bitter experience of not finding the jobs they deserve, after completing their
education. But this time the quota reform movement in Bangladesh was
rocked and shocked the whole nation due to the massive crackdown on the
protesters. However, these
protests were not confined to the student community but soon connected with the
broader political dynamics of the country. According to reports, more than 1000
people have died in clashes with 20000 thousand injured so far. This represents
a complex interplay between grassroots activism, political strategy and the
deep discontent against the government within society. It was the worst example
of state brutality against unarmed students that happened in Bangladesh from
July 15 to August 5, 2024. People from all social classes supported and
were involved in the movement. The demand for quota reform turns to a demand
for justice. With the withdrawal of military support, the 15-year tenure of
authoritarian rule by Prime Minister (PM) Sheikh Hasina had ended dramatically
with her exile to India.
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