Bangladesh in Turmoil: Quota System Sparks Deadly Student Protests

Violence in Bangladesh has resulted in at least six deaths and hundreds of injuries as students protest the reinstated quota system for government jobs. The protests, which have a historic backdrop, escalated when Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina declined to meet their demands, calling the protesters offensive names.

By Sudipto Ganguly July 18 (Reuters) - Violence in Bangladesh has claimed at least six lives and injured hundreds after students took to the streets demanding reforms to the quota system governing government job distribution.

The protests began after the High Court reinstated a quota system, overturning a 2018 decision to abolish it. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's government has appealed the ruling, with the Supreme Court set to hear the case on Aug. 7.

The students intensified their protests after Hasina refused to meet their demands, labeling them with an offensive term. This week saw violent clashes between anti-quota demonstrators and members of Hasina's Awami League party, with police intervention escalating the situation.

(With inputs from agencies.)