Deadly Clashes Erupt in Bangladesh as Protests Escalate
At Least 91 Killed, Hundreds Injured
Quotas, Quotas, Quotas
DHAKA, Bangladesh (Reuters) - At least 91 people were killed and hundreds injured in clashes in Bangladesh on Sunday, as protests over a government job quota system escalated into violence. The protests began last month as students demanded an end to a quota system that reserved 30 percent of government jobs for the families of war veterans and other groups. The government has since scrapped most of the quotas, but protesters have continued to demand the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. On Sunday, clashes erupted between police and protesters in the capital, Dhaka, and other cities across the country. Police fired rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse the crowds, while protesters hurled stones and set fire to vehicles. A diplomatic official in Dhaka said the toll across Bangladesh was at least 72, while tallies by local news media and the protesters put the number of dead at over 90. The protests have paused after the Supreme Court scrapped most quotas, but students returned to the streets in sporadic protests last week. The government has called for calm and urged protesters to engage in peaceful dialogue. However, the protesters have vowed to continue their demonstrations until their demands are met.
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