Bangladesh Resumes Normalcy After Violent Student Protests

Bangladesh returned to normalcy after a five-day student protest over job quotas. Limited internet connectivity was restored and banks and factories reopened. Violence claimed scores of lives and several were arrested. A judicial investigation into the unrest has begun, with the government and opposition trading blame.

Bangladesh crawled back to normalcy on Wednesday following a five-day nationwide violent student protest over quotas in government jobs. Rush hour traffic returned to the streets of the capital, and banks, garment factories, and internet services began limited reopening.

Since last Thursday, a nationwide internet blackout had restricted information flow. Although some connectivity was restored on Tuesday night, mobile internet and social media sites like Facebook remain suspended. Users report slow internet speeds even on working phones.

A seven-hour curfew relaxation was granted in the capital and other districts, but strict vigilance by army troops, paramilitary forces, and riot police continues. Bus and ferry services resumed in line with the relaxed curfew. However, schools and other educational institutions remain closed.

The unrest resulted in dozens of fatalities, with media reports estimating the toll to be as high as 184. A judicial investigation led by a High Court judge has been launched. The government attributes the violence to Jamaat-e-Islami and the student front Chhatra Shibir, allegedly backed by the opposition BNP led by Khaleda Zia.

The opposition BNP denies these allegations, instead blaming the government for the unrest. Authorities are conducting a manhunt to apprehend those responsible for damaging key installations, including state-run television. Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal vowed to bring all perpetrators to justice.

Following an order from the Supreme Court's Appellate Division, a massive quota reform has been implemented. The 1971 war veterans' quota will be reduced to 5%, with 2% reserved for ethnic minorities and marginalized groups, leaving 93% of jobs merit-based. The student-led protests have been suspended, although they decried the bloodshed.

Bangladesh's major garment industries and the key southeastern Chattagram port also resumed operations, signaling a return to stability.

(With inputs from agencies.)