Bangladesh students vow to continue stir after court order, over 500 arrested

Bangladesh remained under a curfew on Monday, with widespread telecom disruptions persisting a day after the Supreme Court scaled back controversial job quotas. Student protesters, who clashed with security forces in recent weeks, set the government a 48-hour deadline to meet new demands.

The unrest erupted after the High Court reinstated job quotas in June, reversing a 2018 decision by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's government to scrap them. The quotas reserved 56 per cent of government jobs for groups like families of freedom fighters, women, and people from underdeveloped areas.

On Sunday, the Supreme Court offered a compromise, slashing the reserved quota to just 7 per cent. However, student protesters remain unsatisfied.

"We will continue our protests until the government publishes the verdict in the gazette," a Dhaka University student told news agency Reuters. The gazette is the official record of government decisions.

Students are also demanding the release of detained protest leaders, the lifting of the curfew, and the reopening of universities shut down since last week.

The violence has taken a heavy toll, leaving at least 163 dead, according to AFP. Police say over 500 people, including opposition leaders, have been arrested in Dhaka.

"At least 532 people have been arrested over the violence," Dhaka Metropolitan Police spokesman Faruk Hossain told news agency AFP, adding that some detainees were senior figures from the opposition Bangladesh Party (BNP).

Dhaka police spokesman Hossain also confirmed the deaths of at least three policemen and injuries to over 1,000, including 60 critically wounded.

With the city under curfew, a semblance of calm returned on Monday. Authorities relaxed the curfew for three hours to allow residents to buy essentials. Despite the easing, army tanks remained stationed in Dhaka, and armed patrols monitored the few motorists venturing out.

The internet shutdown and disruptions to supply chains added to the difficulties faced by residents. Department stores reported dwindling stock due to supply issues, while travel plans and essential services were hampered by the lack of internet access.

The next 48 hours will be crucial as students await the government's response to their demands. It remains unclear what actions they may take if their demands are not met.