DHAKA, Bangladesh (Diya TV) – Bangladesh has restored internet services after five days of shutdown, following violent protests against a controversial quota system for government jobs. On Monday, the government declared a public holiday while maintaining tight control, even as the situation seemed calm after a court order reduced the quota for veterans.
Last week, the government imposed a curfew with a shoot-on-sight order, deploying military personnel to patrol the capital and other areas. The unrest began when police clashed with student protesters who demanded an end to the 30% quota for relatives of 1971 war veterans. Local newspapers reported over a hundred deaths, though official figures remain undisclosed.
On Monday, there was no immediate violence following the Supreme Court’s decision to cut the veterans’ quota to 5%, leaving 93% of civil service jobs merit-based and 2% reserved for ethnic minorities, transgender, and disabled individuals.
On Sunday night, student protesters called for the restoration of internet services. Hasnat Abdullah, a coordinator of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, announced their withdrawal of calls for a complete shutdown but issued a 48-hour ultimatum for ending the digital crackdown and restoring connectivity. He also demanded the withdrawal of security officials from universities, reopening of student dormitories, and steps to ensure students’ safe return to campuses. Abdullah stressed the need for the government to lift the curfew and return the country to normal within two days.
Students also demanded some university officials step down for failing to protect campuses. Sarjis Alam, another movement coordinator, vowed to continue protests if their demands weren’t met. Nahid Islam, a key organizer, expressed frustration over the internet shutdown, which disrupted communication and, according to him, aimed to create divisions among protesters.
The US Embassy in Dhaka described the situation as “extremely volatile” and “unpredictable,” noting the use of guns, tear gas, and other weapons near the embassy. They advised Americans to be vigilant, avoid large crowds, and reconsider travel plans.
The protests have posed the most serious challenge to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government since her fourth consecutive term win in January elections, which the main opposition boycotted. Universities have closed, the internet was shut off, and the government ordered people to stay home.
Protesters argue the quota system is discriminatory and benefits Hasina’s supporters, wanting it replaced with a merit-based system. Hasina has defended the system, stating that veterans deserve high respect regardless of political affiliation. The main opposition, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), backed the protests and vowed to organize its own demonstrations, with many of its supporters joining the student-led movement.
The Awami League and BNP frequently accuse each other of fueling political chaos and violence, especially ahead of national elections marked by a crackdown on opposition figures.
As of Wednesday, fixed-line internet connectivity has been partially restored, according to several monitoring services. Social media and mobile data restrictions remain in place, limiting communication and access to information. The local government is gradually restoring services, starting with state hospitals, utilities, and banks.
Communication authorities plan to decide on Wednesday how and when to restore mobile internet. The internet shutdown, imposed on July 18, disconnected the population from the rest of the world and created a partial media blackout, leaving people with limited information on the ground. The latest shutdown has cost the economy over $25 million, according to Internet Society’s NetLoss calculator.