New Delhi: Tensions erupted on Thursday, in Dhaka, violently as Bangladeshi students set fire to the headquarters of Bangladesh Television (BTV). This came just a day after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina addressed the nation on the network, attempting to calm escalating clashes that have already claimed the lives of at least 32 people.⚡️Scenes from the protests in Bangladesh pic.twitter.com/OXBLj7HleA— War Monitor (@WarMonitors) July 18, 2024Demanding reforms to civil service hiring rules Hundreds of protesters, demanding reforms to civil service hiring rules, clashed with riot police who had initially fired rubber bullets in an attempt to disperse the crowds. Overwhelmed by the demonstrators, the police retreated to BTVs headquarters, where the enraged mob proceeded to set fire to the reception building and numerous vehicles parked outside.According to a statement on Facebook by BTV, initially, many people were trapped inside as the fire spread. However, an official later confirmed to AFP that all personnel had been safely evacuated. Despite efforts to contain the blaze, the fire continued to rage, forcing the suspension of broadcasts.BREAKING: Violent protests RAGE ON in Bangladesh.A nationwide INTERNET SHUTDOWN has been implemented as protesters DEMAND the end of government job quotas that favor members of PM Hasinas party the Awami League.pic.twitter.com/MJDievrh2a— Steve Hanke (@steve_hanke) July 18, 2024Government response and consequencesIn response to the deteriorating law and order situation, Hasinas government has ordered the indefinite closure of schools and universities. Despite the prime ministers televised appeal for peace and promises of justice for the victims, violence persisted on the streets with further casualties reported.What are their demands The protests, initially sparked by demands to abolish a civil service quota system, have evolved into broader demonstrations against perceived government authoritarianism and alleged human rights abuses. Criticism of Hasinas administration includes accusations of stifling dissent and manipulating state institutions. The protests initially focused on quotas in civil service hiring. Fifty-six per cent of government jobs are reserved under the current quota system. A maximum 30 per cent is for the descendants of the 1971 Liberation War freedom fighters, 10 per cent for backward adminstration districts, 10 per cent for womem, five per cent for ethnic minority groups and one per cent for physically challenged people. International reactions and internet restrictionsAmnesty International has condemned the use of force by Bangladeshi security forces during the clashes, while widespread mobile internet outages were reported across the country. The government attributed these disruptions to the misuse of social media for spreading misinformation. The situation remains tense as Bangladesh grapples with one of its most severe domestic crises in recent years. India advised its citizens India, meanwhile on Thursday, advised its citizeens in Bangladesh to avoid travel and minimise their movements following violent protests.
