Bangladesh Restores Internet as Student Protests Subside

Bangladesh has restored internet services following student protests over job quota reforms, which resulted in nearly 150 deaths. The demonstrations, which began in educational institutions, escalated nationwide, leading to a violent crackdown by security forces. The government assures that normalcy is returning as students call off protests after the Supreme Court addressed their demands.

Bangladesh announced the restoration of internet services on Sunday, signifying a return to normalcy after students ended their protests against job quota reforms that killed nearly 150 people this month.

The unrest that originated in universities and colleges spread nationwide, resulting in thousands of injuries due to a harsh crackdown by security forces, curfews, army patrols, and suspension of internet services. The foreign ministry confirmed that full broadband and mobile internet connectivity has been reinstated.

While land-based and mobile telecommunications remained functional during the unrest, the government's statement reassured the international community that the situation is stabilizing due to timely measures. Critics, including the United Nations, U.S., and Britain, condemned the use of force against protesters, urging Dhaka to respect the right to peaceful protest. Opposition parties were blamed for inciting violence, though they denied involvement.

Protests began in June after a court ruling on job quotas, and escalated until the Supreme Court's decision to remove most quotas in July. This led to students suspending their protest after their primary demands were met. Student leader Nahid Islam announced the end of protests and called for the reopening of educational institutions.