Bangladesh Universities Close Amid Deadly Protests Over Job Quotas

Authorities in Bangladesh have called for the closure of all universities following deadly protests over government job allocations. At least six people have died in clashes involving student protesters and pro-government activists. Some universities have complied with the shutdown request, while others are still deciding their course of action.

Authorities in Bangladesh urged universities to close on Wednesday after violent protests over government job allocations left at least six people dead. Some institutions acted quickly, but others, including a central university embroiled in the violence, were still deliberating their response.

The University Grants Commission advised both public and private universities to suspend classes and vacate dormitories to ensure student safety. Although universities operate autonomously, the advisory lacked legal enforcement.

On Tuesday, six fatalities occurred nationwide as student protesters clashed with pro-government activists and the police. Violence erupted in several cities, including Dhaka, Chattogram, and Rangpur. Stray protests continued on Wednesday, prompting police deployment at Dhaka University and paramilitary border forces patrolling major cities. The demonstrations, which started over demands to end a 30% job quota for veterans' relatives, escalated into violence earlier in the week, injuring 100 at Dhaka University.