Bangladesh Unrest: More than 100 people reportedly have died in various incidents during the ongoing anti-quota protests in Bangladesh, making it the deadliest crisis after independence. It has even turned out to be a scene of violent clashes, with the most recent of unrest being in the situation of attacking Hindu communities in the Noakhali district and Rangpur town.
Exclusive Footage of Rioters Targeting Hindu Homes
In Noakhali, where the situation has reached a boiling point, visuals can be seen for the first time of rioters trying to break into the house of Tanusreya Bhatta, a Hindu resident, exclusively accessed by CNN-News18. The video captured the terror of the women inside who were banging the doors and wailing “bhagwan, bhagwan” in distress, as the attackers tried to break in. Killing two Hindus, among whom was Hindu Awami League leader Haradhan Roy and his nephew, left the condition worse in Rangpur.
The situation has attracted massive international concern and Indian government is fully into it, talking to high officials in Bangladesh. “We are talking to the top brass of the Bangladesh Government. Sheikh Hasina is also listening to our advice, and we are working closely on this issue,” said an Indian government source. Advisory measures also have been issued to Indians and students in Bangladesh, and evacuation is prepared according to need.
Protests Against Quota Reservations for Government Jobs
The cause of the unrest is basically rooted in protests against a 30% quota under reservation for government jobs, which was reserved for the families of the 1971 veterans of the war. The demand for the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina spiraled despite the Supreme Court verdict that reduced the fixed 30 percent imposed by the government to 5 percent.
Things went even worse when the opposition groups were actively promoting that students and general citizens were to carry arms, and protest against taxes and utility services by refusing to pay the same. According to sources, the army of Bangladesh has further complicated the situation because of its support of the movement with the use of automatic weapons.
Risks of the Bangladesh Crisis Worsening
If this devastating crisis in Bangladesh remains unchecked, the international community and neighborhood countries need to remain close observers of the emerging scenarios to determine a modus operandi to curb violence and restore normalcy in the region.
