Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Bangladesh schools, universities closed after six students killed in protests

Rallies against public sector job reservations turn deadly in some cities

Bangladesh schools, universities closed after six students killed in protests

BANGLADESH ordered schools and universities across the country to close indefinitely on Tuesday (16) after six students were killed in protests, prompting the mobilisation of paramilitary forces to maintain order.

 All high schools, universities, and Islamic seminaries were instructed to remain shut until further notice following weeks of escalating demonstrations against civil service hiring policies.


 Tuesday saw an escalation in violence as demonstrators and pro-government student groups clashed, throwing bricks and bamboo rods, while police dispersed rallies with tear gas and rubber bullets. 

 The protests are driven by anger over public sector job quotas, including a 30 per cent quota for family members of freedom fighters from the 1971 War of Independence, amid high unemployment. 

 Education ministry spokesman MA Khair said the shutdown order was issued for “the security of the students” and later extended to universities, where most protest participants are enrolled.  

At least six people were killed on Tuesday as demonstrators mobilised for another day of protests in cities across the country, defying calls by prime minister Sheikh Hasina and the supreme court to return to class. Three died in Chittagong with signs of “bullet injuries,” hospital director Mohammad Taslim Uddin said, adding that another 35 were injured during clashes in the port city.  

Another two died in Dhaka, where rival student groups threw bricks and blocked roads, bringing traffic in the megacity of 20 million to a halt. 

 Police inspector Bacchu Mia confirmed the deaths, stating that one person succumbed to head injuries, and at least 60 others were injured. 

 In the northern city of Rangpur, police commissioner Mohammad Moniruzzaman reported that a student was killed in clashes, without providing details.  

Rangpur Medical College hospital director Yunus Ali said the “student was brought dead to the hospital by other students”.  

LEAD Dhaka INSET Protest GettyImages 2161631628 Demonstrators threw bricks and bamboo rods, while police dispersed rallies with tear gas and rubber bullets

As the day progressed and key highways were blocked by protesters, authorities deployed the paramilitary Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) force in five major cities, including Dhaka and Chittagong. Tuesday’s clashes followed confrontations the previous day between anti-quota demonstrators and members of the ruling Awami League’s student wing, leaving more than 400 people injured in Dhaka.  

“We are not here to do violence,” said one protester in Dhaka, who declined to give their name for fear of reprisal. “We want our rights. But the ruling party goons are attacking our peaceful protests.” 

 Stagnant job growth in Bangladesh’s private sector has made government employment, which offer regular wage hikes and other privileges, more attractive, said Mohammad Abdur Razzaque, chairman of Research and Policy Integration for Development.  

Nearly 32 million young Bangladeshis are not in work or education, he added. In Bangladesh, 56 per cent of government jobs are reserved for various quotas, including 10 per cent for women, 10 per cent for people from under d e v e l o p e d districts, five per cent for indigenous communities, and one per cent for people with disabilities.  

Protesters have planned more marches and rallies nationwide, vowing to continue until their demands are met, said Nahid Islam, coordinator of the anti-quota protests. The demonstrations began earlier this month when the high court ordered the government to reinstate the 30 per cent job quota.  

The Supreme Court suspended the order last week for a month, but protests continued and intensified after Hasina refused to meet the students’ demands, citing ongoing proceedings in the court. 

 Hasina labelled those opposing the quota as “razakar” – a term used for those who allegedly collaborated with the Pakistani army during the 1971 war – prompting more protests. 

 Critics argue that the scheme benefits children of pro-government groups that support Hasina, who won her fourth consecutive election in January after a vot secutive election in January after a vote without genuine opposition. 

Amnesty International urged Bangladesh to “immediately guarantee the safety of all peaceful protesters”. US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller denounced the “violence against peaceful protesters”, prompting a rebuke from Bangladesh’s foreign ministry (Agencies). 

More For You

modi-bjp-reuters

BJP supporters celebrate in New Delhi. (Photo: Reuters)

Modi's BJP wins Delhi assembly election after 27 years

INDIAN prime minister Narendra Modi said on Saturday that "development had won" as his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) secured victory in Delhi’s local elections, ending a 27-year gap since it last controlled the capital’s legislature.

"Development has won, good governance has won," Modi said after Delhi’s former chief minister, a key opposition leader, conceded defeat.

Keep ReadingShow less
Uganda-high-commission-event

The event also focused on Uganda’s role in cultural diplomacy and sustainable development.

Uganda high commission hosts heritage event in London

THE UGANDA high commission in London hosted an event highlighting Uganda’s cultural heritage and investment opportunities at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Building. The event featured a performance by the Watoto Children’s Choir.

Uganda’s high commissioner to the UK, Nimisha J Madhvani, addressed the gathering, welcoming guests and speaking about the country’s cultural diversity.

Keep ReadingShow less
Maha-kumbh-pilgrims-reuters

Devotees arrive at the river bank to take a holy dip at Sangam during the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, India on January 28, 2025. (Photo: Reuters)

India says 420 million pilgrims have visited Maha Kumbh

INDIA’s government announced on Friday that more than 420 million pilgrims have taken part in ritual bathing at the Maha Kumbh, a Hindu religious festival.

Organisers say the estimate is based on artificial intelligence and surveillance cameras used to track attendance.

Keep ReadingShow less
Bird-flu-Getty

There have been 27 confirmed cases of bird flu in England and one in Scotland during the current outbreak. (Representational image: Getty Images)

England bans 'bird gatherings' to contain avian flu spread

THE GOVERNMENT has announced a ban on "bird gatherings" in England as part of efforts to contain the spread of avian influenza.

The ban, which comes into effect from midday on Monday, will apply to fairs, markets, and shows involving various bird species.

Keep ReadingShow less
Matt-Jukes-Getty

Matt Jukes, the UK’s head of counterterrorism, has called for a social media ban for children under 16. (Photo: Getty Images)

Nine-year-old among youngest referred for far-right deradicalisation

A UK charity working to counter far-right radicalisation has seen children as young as nine referred for support.

Exit Hate UK, which helps individuals leave extremist movements, said its youngest-ever referral was nine years old, with the average age of those seeking help being about 15, according to The Times.

Keep ReadingShow less