Ranvir Randhawa | 19 July 2024 | PDSU-PSU All India Coordination

Condemn Brutal Repression by Sheikh Hasina Government

PDSU-PSU stand in solidarity with the students of Bangladesh who have come out in protest in tens of thousands throughout Bangladesh. They are being subjected to attacks by police and groups of the ruling Awami League. 33 had reported been killed and over a thousand injured in these attacks by July 18, 2024. Despite closure of all schools and colleges and complete internet shutdown, protests have spread throughout Bangladesh and becoming more determined.

Students are fighting against 30% reservations in govt. jobs for the descendants of 1971 war participants. There is additional 26% reservation for other categories – 10% for women, 10% for backward districts, 5% for minorities and 1% for disabled. Students are not opposing these reservations for women, backward districts, minorities and disabled.

Repressive measures adopted by the government of Bangladesh to crush student protests have only led to further intensification of the protest. It should be noted that reservation for war veterans, so long after the war, has become irrelevant as it is third generation now. It has become a tool of serving the relatives of the ruling party leaders and cadres. As such government jobs are scarce and this reservation accounts for about one-third of total govt. jobs. Over 4 lakh Students competed for 3000 open seats last year. This shows the problem of unemployment which is fuelling the present agitation as these are better paying and secure jobs.

Sheikh Hasina Govt. was forced to cancel this 30% reservation after a strong Student protest in 2018 but this quota has been revived after a High Court order in June 2024 giving rise to the present agitation. 

PDSU-PSU strongly condemn the highhandedness displayed by the Bangladeshi government in responding to these legitimate protests. Instead of addressing the valid concerns of the students, the authorities have resorted to serious repressive measures. It is extremely concerning and unacceptable when the police employ force, as seen in the violent dispersal of unarmed student gatherings, arbitrary arrests, and intimidation of students. Already besides 33 students about 30 journalists have also been killed in police firing. Sheikh Hasina Govt. has labelled these protests as sponsored by opposition parties thus totally denying just nature of the demand of the students. Govt. response shows that it was behind the order of the Court.

What started as a protest against 30% reservation has turned into a strong challenge to Awami League Govt. due to its repressive, unresponsive acts and undemocratic character.

We are in solidarity with the agitating students and support their protest. We call on the students in India to stand with agitating Bangladeshi students. The government must immediately halt its oppressive measures, release all detained students, and accept the demands of the students immediately.