Nationwide Shutdown in Bangladesh Amid Deadly Quota Protests

In Bangladesh, student protesters have called for a nationwide shutdown to demand an end to a 30% government job quota reserved for the families of freedom fighters. This comes after deadly clashes this week that resulted in six deaths and hundreds of injuries.

Protesters, angered by high youth unemployment affecting nearly 32 million people, are advocating for the abolition of the quota. "We will go ahead with our plans for complete shutdown… All establishments will remain closed," said protest coordinator Nahid Islam, noting that only hospitals and emergency services would remain operational.

Authorities have closed universities indefinitely and deployed riot police to ensure law and order. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has promised to set up a judicial panel to investigate the deaths and asked students to wait for a Supreme Court hearing on August 7. Human rights groups have urged the government to protect peaceful protesters.

(With inputs from agencies.)