Bangladesh on Edge: Civil Service Quota Sparks Deadly Protests

Bangladeshi authorities extended a nationwide curfew as the Supreme Court prepares to rule on a controversial civil service hiring quota. Violent protests led by students have erupted, claiming at least 103 lives, as demonstrators demand the abolishment of a system they say is discriminatory and benefits political supporters of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Bangladeshi authorities extended a curfew across the country on Sunday as the nation's top court was expected to rule on a contentious civil service hiring quota that has led to deadly clashes between police and protesters, claiming numerous lives.

Nationwide protests, primarily spearheaded by student groups, erupted weeks ago in opposition to the quota system, which reserves up to 30% of government jobs for relatives of 1971 war veterans. The Daily Prothom Alo newspaper reported on Saturday that the death toll had reached at least 103 people.

No official casualty numbers have been released, but security forces utilized tear gas, rubber bullets, and smoke grenades to disperse demonstrators. Sporadic clashes continued in Dhaka over the weekend, with soldiers patrolling cities and an ongoing nationwide internet blackout. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's administration declared public holidays on Sunday and Monday, limiting operations to emergency services only.