Calm Returns to Dhaka After Supreme Court Scraps Government Job Quotas

Streets in Dhaka remained peaceful after the Supreme Court removed most government job quotas, quelling student-led protests. The government faces a 48-hour ultimatum to meet new demands. The unrest, driven by stagnant job growth and high youth unemployment, saw at least 147 people dead and numerous injuries.

Streets in Bangladesh's capital, Dhaka, appeared calm Monday following the Supreme Court's decision to remove most government job quotas, which had sparked deadly student-led protests. On Sunday night, activists issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the government, demanding a public apology from Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for the violence and the restoration of disrupted internet connections.

Despite ongoing curfews, which had limited regular demonstrations after a high court reinstated older quotas favoring descendants of freedom fighters, the situation appears to be stabilizing. Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan assured reporters that normalcy would return within a day or two. Hospital reports confirm at least 147 casualties during the unrest.

Security remains tight with tanks and armed patrols in Dhaka. The Supreme Court's recent ruling directed that 93% of government jobs should be open based on merit, overturning the lower court's pro-quota decision. The Anti-Discrimination Student Movement is calling for the reopening of campuses, the resignation of ministers, and the dismissal of police officers involved in the fatal violence. Thousands were injured as security forces used tear gas, rubber bullets, and sound grenades to disperse protestors last week.