News
Bangladesh Universities Close Amid Unrest Over Job Quota Protests
Bangladesh was plunged into turmoil this week as universities and educational institutions across the country abruptly closed their doors on Wednesday.
This decision came in response to violent riots that shook the capital city of Dhaka just a day earlier, tragically claiming the lives of six individuals.
The unrest erupted over widespread dissatisfaction with the government’s job allocation policies, particularly the contentious quota system that reserves 30% of positions for relatives of veterans from Bangladesh’s 1971 war for independence.
What began as peaceful protests demanding reforms quickly escalated into clashes between student demonstrators, pro-government factions, and law enforcement agencies.
In Dhaka, the prestigious Dhaka University promptly suspended classes following the outbreak of violence, with other universities following suit under government directives aimed at ensuring the safety of students.
The University Grants Commission endorsed these measures, citing concerns over escalating tensions and security risks on campuses nationwide.
The unrest was not confined to Dhaka alone, spreading to other major cities like Chattogram and Rangpur. Reports of violence, including clashes and property damage, prompted swift and decisive action from authorities.
Police conducted raids on the headquarters of the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party, resulting in the arrest of several individuals allegedly involved in the disturbances.
The issue of job quotas has long been a contentious one in Bangladesh, with critics arguing that the system perpetuates inequality and favors political affiliations.
A previous court decision in 2018 had temporarily suspended the quota system following mass student protests. However, a recent ruling by the High Court overturned this decision, reigniting frustrations among youth facing significant unemployment rates.
Government positions in Bangladesh are highly sought after due to their perceived stability and better compensation compared to private sector jobs.
The current system allocates a substantial portion of these positions to various groups, including women, Indigenous communities, and residents of underdeveloped districts, in addition to veterans’ families.
As authorities work to restore calm and address underlying grievances through dialogue and legal channels, the closure of educational institutions underscores the seriousness of the situation and the urgent need for resolution amid heightened social and political tensions in the country.
News
LeBron James Steps Away from Social Media, Cites Negativity in Sports Coverage
LeBron James, the NBA’s all-time leading scorer and Los Angeles Lakers star, has announced a temporary break from social media.
The 39-year-old made the announcement on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram after sharing a post by Rich Kleiman, agent to NBA star Kevin Durant, criticizing the media’s focus on negativity.
Kleiman wrote, “With so much hate and negativity in the world today, it confuses me why some of the national sports media still think that the best way to cover sports is through negative takes… I, for one, find it all a waste of breath.” James shared the post, adding a simple comment: “AMEN!!”
In a follow-up post, James confirmed his social media hiatus, writing, “And with that said, I’ll holla at y’all! Getting off social media for the time being. Y’all take care.”
James, known for his strong presence on and off the court, is taking this break amidst ongoing discussions about the role of media in shaping public perceptions of athletes.
News
Lagos State Governor Sanwo-Olu Presents 3 Trillion Naira As Budget For 2025
Lagos State Governor, Sanwo-Olu presents 3 Trillion Naira as the budget for the proposed Appropriation Bill for 2025 to the house of assembly. The assembly meeting was led by Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa. The budget is themed Budget of Sustainability and will be a blue print for the commitment to Lagosians.
The ceremony was held in the state house, Alausa, Lagos. With this proposed bill the state government is focusing on environment, education, technology, security and public safety.
News
Diezani Alison-Madueke Seeks Court Approval to Amend Lawsuit Against EFCC Asset Forfeiture
Former Petroleum Minister Diezani Alison-Madueke has filed a motion to amend her lawsuit challenging the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) order for the final forfeiture of her seized assets.
At a Federal High Court hearing in Abuja presided over by Justice Inyang Ekwo, Alison-Madueke’s counsel confirmed filing the amendment motion and serving the EFCC. Notably, no EFCC representatives appeared in court.
The embattled ex-minister also sought an extension of time to contest the EFCC’s public notice regarding the sale of her confiscated properties, claiming she was denied a fair hearing during the forfeiture proceedings.
The EFCC, however, rejected Alison-Madueke’s allegations, maintaining that the forfeiture cases were lawfully adjudicated over time.
Justice Ekwo adjourned the case to February 17, 2025, to consider the motion to amend the originating process.
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