What's Behind Bangladesh's Deadly Protests?

In July 2024, Bangladesh experienced severe civil unrest, primarily sparked by student protests against a controversial job quota system reinstated by the High Court. This system, which allocates government jobs to descendants of "freedom fighters," has been criticized for perpetuating loyalty to the ruling Awami League and limiting merit-based opportunities. The protests escalated into a nationwide crisis, resulting in at least 150 deaths and 9,000 arrests by July 29. The government's response included curfews and internet blackouts, further fueling public discontent.

The unrest is rooted in broader economic frustrations, including high youth unemployment, rising inflation, and widespread corruption. As of mid-2023, 40% of youth were classified as not in employment, education, or training, while food insecurity affected over 37 million people. The government's heavy-handed tactics have drawn international scrutiny, with several countries issuing travel warnings and expressing concern over human rights violations.

The economic implications of the protests are significant, with business leaders estimating losses of $10 billion due to the unrest. The garment sector, crucial to Bangladesh's economy, has been particularly hard hit, facing factory closures and supply chain disruptions. The ongoing crisis may lead to a loss of political trust, increased asylum claims from Bangladeshis, and challenges for the government in negotiating international loans. The situation poses a dilemma for Western nations, balancing concerns over human rights with the need to maintain diplomatic relations with Bangladesh.