The ITUC-Asia Pacific expresses deep concern over the ongoing social unrest in Bangladesh, following the violent crackdown on student protests against the government's job quota system. The death toll has tragically risen to over 200*, with over 2,500 individuals arrested as police and military forces were granted "shoot-on-sight" orders to curb the unrest.
Led by students, the protests began on 1 July following the High Court’s decision to reinstate the quota system that allocates one-third of civil service posts to relatives of "freedom fighters" from Bangladesh's war of independence in 1971. The protesters view this as a discriminatory policy and are demanding for a fair, merit-based system instead.
While the country's High Court recently reduced this quota to 5 percent, student demonstrators continue to call for the complete lifting of curfews, reopening of schools, release of detained students and protest leaders, resignation of key public officials, arrest of police officers who instigated the brutal crackdown, public apology and accountability from the prime minister, and compensation for the families of the deceased and the injured, among others.
In response to this crisis, Shoya Yoshida, General Secretary of the ITUC-Asia Pacific said:
“We are deeply saddened and alarmed by the tragic loss of lives amidst the ongoing unrest in Bangladesh. Our condolences go out to the families of the victims and everyone affected by this violence.
“The violent crackdown against the protesters is a grave violation of the freedom of speech and assembly that have been enshrined in international human rights laws. For democracy to fully flourish, it is crucial for these fundamental rights and freedoms to be respected. Listening to the voices of the people is a key prerequisite in ensuring meaningful participation and dialogue towards human-centred policy decisions.”
Shakil Chowdhury, Secretary General of ITUC-Bangladesh Council, highlighted the impacts of the social unrest on the working people of Bangladesh:
“Workers have been suffering from the recent unrest, blockades, and curfew. Hundreds of thousands of informal workers, including rickshaw pullers, hawkers and the workers engaged in the platform economy, lost their earnings in the past few days. The recent events also drove the prices of the daily commodities higher.
“I strongly urge the government to immediately withdraw the curfew and ensure normal civic life and extend special support to the victim workers at the soonest possible time. I also call on the government to provide treatment for the injured workers and proper compensation for the families of those who have died.”
Meanwhile, Shoya Yoshida also called the authorities to restore communication channels swiftly so that families can connect and essential services can operate. “The ITUC-AP stands in solidarity with the people of Bangladesh and hopes for a swift and peaceful resolution to this unprecedented crisis. We appeal to our colleagues and affiliates in Bangladesh to stay safe and to support efforts towards upholding rights and defending democracy in the country,” he said.
*as of this writing
.jpg)
.png)
.png)
.jpg)
.png)
.png)
.png)
%201.svg)
