The total number of arrests made in days of violence in Bangladesh during the protests over employment quotas has crossed 1200 on Tuesday (July 22), according to an AFP tally of detentions.
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At least 173 people have died, including several police officers, according to a separate AFP count of victims reported by police and hospitals.
168 had been arrested in the industrial city of Gazipur, 75 in the northern city of Rangpur, and 60 in Barisal in the south, senior police officials said.
Also read: Bangladesh Supreme Court scales back job quotas that sparked deadly protests
In the rural and industrial part of Dhaka 80 people were arrested, on top of an earlier figure of at least 532 for the capital itself, giving a total of 1,195.
Notably, Bangladesh’s Supreme Court on Sunday (July 21) scaled back — but did not abolish -– a controversial quota system for civil service job applicants after the scheme’s reintroduction last month precipitated deadly nationwide civil strife.
Nationwide unrest broke out in Bangladesh following student anger against quotas in government jobs that included reserving 30 per cent for the families of those who fought for independence from Pakistan.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government had scrapped the quota system in 2018, but a court reinstated it last month.
Also read | How PM Hasina’s ‘razakar’ barb became catchword of Bangladesh protests; here’s what it means
The demonstrations – the biggest since Hasina was re-elected for a fourth successive term this year – have also been fuelled by high unemployment among young people.
(With inputs from agencies)
Source link : https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/total-arrests-in-bangladesh-rise-to-over-800-743265/amp
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Publish date : 2024-07-23 00:01:16
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