Bangladesh has declared the indefinite closure of all public and private universities beginning Wednesday, in response to intensifying student protests against a contentious quota system for government employment. This drastic measure follows a week of escalating violence that has resulted in at least six deaths and numerous injuries, highlighting the severity of the unrest.

The protests, which have been growing in intensity over recent weeks, are centered around a quota system that reserves 30% of government jobs for the descendants of individuals who fought in the 1971 War of Independence against Pakistan. This quota system has generated significant frustration among students, especially given the high levels of youth unemployment in the country. With approximately 32 million young Bangladeshis either unemployed or not engaged in educational pursuits, out of a total population of 170 million, the discontent is widespread and deeply felt.

The demonstrations intensified following Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's refusal to address the protesters' demands, citing ongoing judicial proceedings. Moreover, Hasina’s characterization of the protesters as “razakar”—a term historically used to denote those alleged to have collaborated with the Pakistani military during the 1971 conflict—has further inflamed tensions.

The situation deteriorated significantly this week when large groups of anti-quota protesters clashed with members of the Bangladesh Chhatra League, the student wing of the ruling Awami League party. The violent confrontations, which erupted across the nation, saw police employing rubber bullets and tear gas to control the crowds. The clashes on Tuesday led to the deaths of at least six individuals, including three students, as confirmed by police reports.

In light of the escalating violence, Amnesty International has urgently called on the Bangladeshi government to safeguard the rights of peaceful protesters and ensure adequate medical treatment for the injured. The organization has urged immediate measures to address the crisis and uphold human rights standards.

Amid the ongoing turmoil, authorities have deployed riot police and the Border Guard Bangladesh paramilitary force to secure university campuses nationwide. On Tuesday evening, the University Grants Commission issued an order mandating the closure of all universities and directed students to vacate their dormitories for security reasons. The closure also extends to high schools, colleges, and other educational institutions as part of the emergency response.

In response to the closures, Nahid Islam, a prominent figure in the anti-quota protests, has announced plans for processions on Wednesday in which students will carry coffins to commemorate those who lost their lives in the recent violence. Reports indicate that students are vacating their dormitories out of fear of further attacks by members of the student wing of the ruling party. Despite this, some students remain in their dorms, unwilling to leave.

In a further development, police conducted a raid on the Dhaka headquarters of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), the main opposition party, around midnight Tuesday. During the raid, authorities detained seven activists, including a former leader of the BNP’s student wing. Police reported recovering 100 crude bombs and several bottles of petrol, allegedly linked to recent arson attacks on a bus near the BNP office. However, BNP senior joint secretary Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has condemned the raid, accusing the government of fabricating evidence to discredit the anti-quota protests.

These protests represent the most significant challenge to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s administration since her re-election to a fourth consecutive term in January. The election, which was boycotted by the BNP, has been a contentious issue, and the current unrest underscores broader concerns, including stagnant job growth in the private sector. This stagnation has increased the allure of government positions, which are perceived as more stable and beneficial.

Currently, 56% of government jobs in Bangladesh are reserved under various quotas: 10% for women, 10% for individuals from underdeveloped districts, 5% for indigenous communities, and 1% for people with disabilities. While the quota system is designed to promote inclusivity and equity, it has become a focal point for broader discontent related to employment opportunities and the need for systemic reforms in the country.