On Thursday, the Bangladesh government signaled its readiness to engage in dialogue with students protesting the job quota system, following a resurgence of violence as protesters attempted to enforce a nationwide shutdown.



Authorities have deployed Border Guard Bangladesh personnel across the country, including the capital, Dhaka, to maintain law and order, as reported by the official BSS news agency.

At a press conference, Law Minister Anisul Huq announced that the government is prepared to enter talks with the protesting students. He and Education Minister Mohibul Hassan Chowdhury have been tasked with leading these discussions. "We are ready to meet with them as soon as they agree, possibly even this afternoon," Huq stated.

Additionally, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has instructed the law minister to expedite the hearing of a quota-related case pending with the Supreme Court. The Attorney General has been directed to file an appeal for an early hearing on Sunday.



The government also plans to establish a judicial probe committee, led by High Court Justice Khandaker Diliruzzaman, to investigate the recent violent incidents that have resulted in at least seven deaths, including four students. The committee will be formed pending approval from the Chief Justice.

The law minister urged protesters to either end or suspend their demonstrations, emphasizing the government's willingness to negotiate.

Violence erupted anew on Thursday after a brief lull, with thousands of students attempting to enforce a nationwide shutdown. Reports and eyewitness accounts indicate clashes between protesters and police, leaving many injured and prompting businesses to remain closed. Riot police used rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse crowds, while students affiliated with the ruling Awami League clashed with them using bricks and bamboo sticks.



Protesters also besieged the state-run Bangladesh Television Bhaban in Rampura, Dhaka, causing damage and trapping around 1,200 staff members, including journalists, inside. The protests, which had already led to at least seven deaths, continued with calls for a "complete shutdown."

Despite the heavy presence of paramilitary forces, including the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), government offices and banks remained open, though many staff worked from home due to limited transport. Bus services between Dhaka and other parts of the country were disrupted, and many bus counters at major terminals were closed.

The protests began when the student wing of the ruling Awami League confronted demonstrators who argue that the existing quota system hampers the recruitment of meritorious students into government positions. The current system reserves 56% of government jobs for various groups, including descendants of Liberation War freedom fighters, women, ethnic minorities, and the disabled.



Protesters are advocating for reforms to this system, claiming it disadvantages deserving candidates in high-ranking government roles.

This report is based on syndicated content and has not been edited by The Telegraph Online staff.