Bangladesh in Turmoil: Deadly Protests Over Government Job Quotas

Soldiers patrolled Dhaka amid ongoing protests against government job quotas, leading to nationwide unrest. The death toll has reached at least 114, prompting the government to declare public holidays and impose internet shutdowns. The protests are driven by high youth unemployment and the reinstatement of a previously scrapped quota system.

Soldiers patrolled the deserted streets of Bangladesh's capital, Dhaka, on Saturday as the government ordered all offices and institutions closed for two days following deadly student-led protests against government job quotas. At least 114 people were killed this week, with four more deaths reported on Saturday amid sporadic clashes in the city.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's government declared Sunday and Monday as public holidays, allowing only emergency services to operate. The unrest began after a court reinstated a government job quota system, sparking demonstrations fueled by high youth unemployment. Internet and text message services have been suspended, cutting off communication across the nation.

The situation remains tense with a national curfew in place and the military ordered to shoot on sight if needed. Thousands have been injured, and the internet shutdown has left many without power. The Supreme Court will hear the case on Sunday following an appeal by the government.