More than 100 people were injured during protests against the government job quota system in Bangladesh.
Clashes erupted on Monday between students protesting the quota and student activists from the ruling party.
The protests occurred at two universities in Dhaka, where demonstrators were attacked with sticks, rocks, machetes, and molotov cocktails. Despite calls from Bangladesh’s prime minister, Sheikh Hasina, and top court to return to class, the student movement continued.
Police inspector Bacchu Mia reported that 297 people were treated at Dhaka Medical College Hospital, with 12 admitted. At Jahangirnagar University, 111 protesters received medical attention. Dr. Yousuf Ali from Enam Medical College Hospital stated that 11 patients were treated, including four who were still admitted.
Students have been protesting for weeks, demanding the abolition of the quota system for government jobs and the introduction of a merit-based system. The current quota reserves more than half of well-paid civil service positions for specific groups, including the children of heroes from the 1971 liberation war.
Critics argue that this system benefits pro-government groups supporting Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who won her fourth consecutive election in January.
Last week, riot police used tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse rallies, injuring at least 11 students in Comilla.
Monday’s clashes were the worst violence since the protests began, with activists at Jahangirnagar University reporting brutal attacks by the ruling Awami League’s student wing.
Amnesty International condemned the violence, calling on Bangladesh to ensure the safety of peaceful protesters. The US State Department also denounced the violence.
The quota system also reserves jobs for women, disabled people, and ethnic minorities. Although suspended in 2018, the High Court recently reinstated the quota for veterans’ descendants, sparking new protests.
The Supreme Court has temporarily halted this order and will decide on the issue in four weeks, urging protesters to return to class. More protests are expected.