By V. E. K. Madhushani, Jadetimes News
Despite Government Restrictions, Students Continue to Demand Justice
Protesting students have returned to the streets of Dhaka, defying a ban on public rallies following a day of clashes that left dozens dead. Symbolic funeral processions were planned to honor at least 25 people killed on Thursday. Two more deaths were reported on Friday, bringing the total to at least 33 since protests began. The exact toll is difficult to assess due to an almost complete communications shutdown, with mobile internet and telephone lines reportedly down.
The shutdown comes as authorities try to quell the protests demanding the government scrap a job quota for the families of veterans of the country's 1971 independence war. Bus and train services have reportedly also been halted, while photos from Dhaka show large numbers of police in riot gear on the streets. Schools and universities across Bangladesh have also been shut until further notice.
Despite these measures, protesters have vowed to continue with their "Complete Shutdown," blockading roads across the city. On Friday, students chanting "merit, merit" and "we won't let the blood that has been shed of our brothers go in vain" were joined by a number of parents outside Dhaka University. The students argue that the quota system is discriminatory, and are asking for recruitment based on merit. Critics say the system unfairly benefits the families of pro government groups who support Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who won her fourth straight election in January.
A march organized by Islamist parties was met with tear gas, rubber bullets, and stun grenades. The main opposition Bangladesh National Party has also called for protests, with the exiled acting chairman Tarique Rahman asking people to support "these tender hearted students" in a post on Twitter. The party said one of its senior leaders, Ruhul Kabir Rizvi Ahmed, had been taken into custody. Police did not provide reasons for Mr. Rizvi’s arrest.
Attempts to end the protests with talks have so far failed. Law Minister Anisul Haque told Bangla news outlets that the government was open to discussing the issues, “I'm sure they are also discussing whether they will come to the talks or not.” But student Nahid Iqbal said on Thursday they would not consider joining the talks at present. "The government has killed so many people in a day that we cannot join any discussions in the current circumstances."
Earlier, Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner Shafiqul Islam stated that authorities had decided to ban rallies in the city to protect lives and property following Thursday's violence. Separately, the police confirmed that two people had died on Friday. Police said 100 officers had been injured on Thursday, while a government minister reported that several vehicles parked outside government buildings were set on fire.
The clashes have also spread beyond Dhaka, with 26 districts reporting incidents. The protesters who occupied and set fire to the state broadcaster BTV had left by Friday morning, although the channel had not resumed broadcasting. A senior reporter indicated that the newsroom, studio, and canteen had all been damaged in Thursday's fire.
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