Bangladesh Eases Curfew Amidst Student-Led Protests Over Job Quotas

Bangladesh has eased a nationwide curfew, allowing the reopening of factories, offices, and banks after days of deadly violence related to student-led protests over government job quotas. The Supreme Court's decision to abolish these quotas temporarily halted the protests, but tensions remain. Curfew continues with some restrictions.

Factories, offices and banks reopened in Bangladesh on Wednesday following the easing of a nationwide curfew enforced by the army. This measure comes after days of deadly violence caused by student-led protests. While rush-hour traffic resumed in Dhaka and broadband internet was restored, social media platforms remained suspended following last week's violent protests.

Security forces' crackdown on gatherings over government job quotas led to the deaths of nearly 150 people. Students paused their protests after the Supreme Court scrapped most quotas, leaving 93% of jobs open to competition. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's government eased the four-day curfew to contain the unrest, and garment factories began reopening.

Social media will stay shut, and mobile internet might resume by Sunday or Monday, according to junior technology minister Zunaid Ahmed Palak. Garment and textile industries, crucial to Western brands, reopened, as did the stock exchange and banks. Hospitals reported 147 deaths, and nearly 3,000 arrests were made. Relaxations in curfew will continue, and offices will open for partial hours.