Don't Want Reform At The Expense Of So Much Blood: Bangladesh Student Group Suspends Protests

Dhaka: The student group protesting against the employment quota in Bangladesh, on Monday, decided to suspend the ongoing protest for 48 hours over the rising death toll. At least 163 people have died in clashes, including several police officers. 

Student leader Nahid Islam of the main protest organiser Students Against Discrimination said the group didn't want reform 'at the expense of so much blood.'

Internet Yet To Be Restored

Internet and mobile data services are still down despite apparent calm following a verdict that scaled back a controversial quota system for government jobs after weeks of relentless protests that turned deadly.

Govt Declares Public Holiday on Monday

The government has also declared Monday a public holiday, with only essential services running. This comes after a curfew with a shoot-on-sight order was installed days earlier and military personnel could be seen patrolling the capital and other areas.

The South Asian country witnessed clashes between the police and mainly student protesters demanding an end to a quota that reserved 30% of government jobs for relatives of veterans who fought in Bangladesh's War of Independence in 1971.

Over 100 Killed in Deadly Protest

The violence has killed more than a hundred people, according to at least four local newspapers. Authorities have not so far shared official figures for deaths. On Thursday, communications were cut off as tensions escalated.

No Immediate Violence Reported on Monday

There was no immediate violence reported on Monday morning after the Supreme Court ordered the veterans' quota to be cut to 5%, with 93% of jobs allocated on merit, the day before. The remaining 2% will be set aside for members of ethnic minorities as well as transgender and disabled people.

Protestors Urge Govt To Restore Internet Services

On Sunday night, some student protesters urged the government to restore Internet services. Hasnat Abdullah, a coordinator of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, told the Associated Press that they were withdrawing their calls for a complete shutdown, which they attempted to impose last week.

Co-ordinator of Protest Wants Govt to End Curfew

“But we are issuing an ultimatum for 48 hours to stop the digital crackdown and restore internet connectivity,” he said, adding that security officials deployed at various universities should be withdrawn, student dormitories reopened and steps taken so students can return to their campuses safely. Abdullah also said they wanted the government to end the curfew and ensure the country was back to normal within two days.

"Would Continue Protests If Demands Aren't Met..."

Students have also demanded that some university officials step down after failing to protect campuses. Sarjis Alam, another coordinator of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, said that they would continue with their protests if all their demands weren't met. “We cannot step back from our movement like a coward,” he added.

Authority Trying To Divide Protestors: Claims Student Key Protestor

Islam told reporters that the internet shutdown had disrupted their ability to communicate and alleged that authorities were trying to create divisions among protesters. “I am mentally traumatized ... our unity is being destroyed,” he said.

US Embassy Describes Situation "Extremely Volatile & Unpredictable'

The US Embassy in the capital Dhaka described Sunday the situation as “extremely volatile” and “unpredictable,” adding that guns, tear gas and other weapons have been used in the vicinity of the embassy. They said the Bangladeshi army had been deployed and urged Americans to be vigilant, avoid large crowds and reconsider travel plans.

Govt Orders People To Stay Home

The protests have posed the most serious challenge to Bangladesh's government since Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina won a fourth consecutive term in January elections that the main opposition groups boycotted. Universities have been closed, the Internet has been shut off and the government has ordered people to stay home.

Protesters had argued the quota system was discriminatory and benefited supporters of Hasina, whose Awami League party led the independence movement, and wanted it replaced by a merit-based system. Hasina has defended the quota system, saying that veterans deserve the highest respect regardless of political affiliation.

BNP Backs The Student Protests

The main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party has backed the protests, vowing to organize its demonstrations as many of its supporters joined the student-led protests.

Parties Fueling Political Chaos And Violence?

The Awami League and the BNP have often accused each other of fueling political chaos and violence, most recently ahead of the country's national election, which was marred by a crackdown on several opposition figures. (with AP inputs)