News of loss of life in the anti-quota movement in the world media

At least five people have lost their lives in clashes between police, Chhatra League leaders, and activists during the ongoing movement demanding quota reform in government jobs in Bangladesh. The violent protests, which have escalated over the past few days, have garnered significant international media attention.

International Media Coverage

AFP Report

French news agency AFP reported, "At least three people have been killed in Bangladesh in violent clashes between rival groups over quotas for lucrative government jobs." The report titled "3 killed in protests over job quotas in Bangladesh" highlighted that several others were injured in Tuesday's clashes, and more than 400 people were injured across the country on Monday.

Reuters Report

British news agency Reuters published a report titled "Students killed in violent anti-quota protests in Bangladesh," stating that a university student was shot dead by police during an anti-quota protest in northern Bangladesh on Tuesday. The report detailed that students have been protesting for the second consecutive day against the quota system, with police firing tear gas and rubber bullets to quell the unrest, while protesters threw bricks and stones at the police.

Reuters also mentioned that hundreds of students were injured on Monday and that millions of students were protesting on the streets on Tuesday, blocking major highways and railways across the country.

Associated Press (AP) Report

The American news agency AP reported violent clashes between pro-government student organizations and ordinary students. The report mentioned that police used tear gas and batons, resulting in dozens of injuries at a government university near Dhaka.

AP highlighted that protesters argue the quota system is discriminatory and should be merit-based, with some suggesting it favors groups supporting Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Some cabinet members criticized the protesters, accusing them of manipulating the emotions of ordinary students.

Al Jazeera Report

Qatar-based Al Jazeera reported that violent clashes between pro-government student organizations and anti-quota protesters resulted in at least 100 injuries from police tear gas and batons. The report titled "At least 100 injured in student protests over job quotas in Bangladesh" noted that the quota system in Bangladesh reserves government jobs for women, disabled, and ethnic minority groups.

Al Jazeera mentioned that the quota system was suspended in 2018 following similar protests, but a recent High Court ruling restored the 30 percent quota for descendants of freedom fighters, sparking new protests. The Supreme Court of Bangladesh has since stayed the High Court's order for four weeks, urging agitators to return to class.

Statements and Reactions

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina defended the quota system, stating that freedom fighters should be given the highest honor for their sacrifices in the 1971 Liberation War. Meanwhile, the protesters support a reduced quota for disabled and ethnic minorities but oppose the quota for descendants of freedom fighters.

Sources: AFP, Reuters, Associated Press (AP), Al Jazeera