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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.
It has been reported that the Ebola virus is rising again and there have been some cases. This has caused fear in many, with talks of different viruses spreading.
Amid this concern, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) reassured the people that no trace of Ebola has been confirmed in the country, despite the outbreak in Africa.
FAAN shared that they have been on the lookout for travellers who may have symptoms, and so far there is none.
It has been reported that the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), has finally released the withheld results of 279 students.
It can be recalled that some results were held due to investigations of cheating. Some results proved to have traces of malpractice and were cancelled, but the ones without traces have been released and the students can finally move on.
JAMB also shared additional advice for students that might have not seen theirs: “Candidates whose results have not yet been released are advised to check their status by sending UTMERESULT to 55019 or 66019 using the same phone number used for registration to view their released results.”
It was reported that former Nigerian president Goodluck Jonathan has allegedly purchased a presidential candidate form for the 2027 elections.
It can be noted that Jonathan served as Nigeria’s president from 2010 to 2015.
This information was revealed by Sani Useni, a special assistant who made the claim. Many reacted to the news, with some expressing interest in seeing Jonathan return to power after staying relatively quiet politically since his administration ended.
However, Jonathan has not yet addressed the public or officially shared any presidential ambition.
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