1. The government’s implementation of a job quota system, which reserves 30% of positions for descendants of 1971 independence war veterans, has sparked widespread protests.
2. Demonstrators are calling for a merit-based system, claiming that the current approach is discriminatory and favors supporters of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
3. The unrest has led to the declaration of public holidays on July 21 and 22, during which only emergency services are operational.
4. In an effort to control the protests, a shoot-on-sight order has been imposed and a curfew has been enforced in Dhaka, although brief relaxations have been allowed for essential activities.
5. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has canceled a planned foreign diplomatic tour due to the upheaval.
6. Reports indicate that there have been 114 deaths and thousands of injuries, with hospitals such as Dhaka Medical College Hospital struggling to cope with the influx of casualties.
7. Nepal has evacuated around 800 students, while Bhutan and India have taken steps to ensure the safety of their respective students in Bangladesh.
8. The US Embassy in Dhaka has suspended most services and is advising citizens to remain cautious and reconsider their travel plans.
9. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), the main opposition party, is in support of the protests and has promised further demonstrations.
10. Clashes between police and BNP supporters have resulted in the use of tear gas and the arrest of veteran BNP leader Ruhul Kabir Rizvi.
11. Dhaka’s streets are deserted, communication services have been disrupted, and the Supreme Court is expected to hear an appeal regarding the job quota system.
12. Concerns are growing among students abroad, who are relying on sporadic social media updates for information about their families in Bangladesh.
13. The situation remains volatile, with ongoing confrontations occurring between the government and protesters.
Bangladesh Feminist Archives 