Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to Support Families Affected by Violent Protests

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has pledged to support the families of those killed in recent violent student protests over government job quotas. A committee has been formed to investigate the clashes, which claimed dozens of lives. The opposition parties were blamed for inciting violence, and significant changes to the controversial quota system have been implemented.

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will assume responsibility for the families of victims killed during the recent nationwide student protests over government job quotas, according to a top official of the ruling Awami League.

'A committee has been established for investigation, and every culprit will be brought to justice,' stated Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader during a coordination meeting with the party's ward leaders.

The protests, driven mainly by students, erupted over a contentious quota policy reserving 30 per cent of government jobs for veterans' relatives. The clashes resulted in numerous deaths, with some reports indicating up to 184 casualties. The government has initiated a judicial investigation led by a High Court judge.

Quader accused opposition parties BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami of instigating the violence to destabilize the nation. He affirmed Prime Minister Hasina's commitment to assisting affected families and fulfilling the vision of the nation's founder, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

Following the Supreme Court's mandate, the quota system will undergo significant reform. The quota for war veterans will be reduced to 5 per cent, and 2 per cent will be set aside for ethnic minorities, transgender, and disabled individuals, leaving 93 per cent of jobs merit-based. The government issued a Gazette notification to formalize these changes.

The student group leading the protests has since paused their demonstrations, expressing regret over the violence. Prime Minister Hasina defended her decision to impose a curfew and authorize shoot-on-sight orders, citing the need to protect lives and property.

(With inputs from agencies.)