Bangladesh Partially Restores Telecom Services Amidst Easing Protests

Bangladesh Partially Restores Telecom Services Amidst Easing Protests

Bangladesh has begun to partially restore telecommunication services following a period of intense protests and unrest over government job reservations. On July 24, internet services were slowly re-established, although social media platforms remained suspended, days after violent clashes led to nearly 150 deaths.

The protests erupted after the Supreme Court of Bangladesh reduced the reservation quota for various categories in government jobs to 7%, overturning a previous high court ruling that had reinstated a 56% quota. This quota had been abolished in 2018. The Supreme Court's decision led to nationwide protests, particularly among students and unemployed youth, who were affected by the changes.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's government announced on Tuesday that it would comply with the Supreme Court's ruling. As a result, the government has begun easing the strict curfew imposed last week. On Wednesday, restrictions were relaxed for seven hours, allowing offices to operate from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The streets of Dhaka saw increased activity as residents returned to work, and public transportation services resumed in some areas, a stark contrast to the violence that had gripped the city.

Student leaders, who have been at the forefront of the protests, have given the government a 48-hour ultimatum to address four additional demands, including the full restoration of internet services, the withdrawal of police from university campuses, and the reopening of educational institutions that had been closed due to the unrest. Protest coordinator Nahid Islam stated, "We want the government to meet our four-point demand, including restoration of internet, withdrawal of police from campuses, and opening universities."

The situation in Bangladesh has been tense since the Supreme Court's verdict last month, which drastically reduced the number of state jobs available based on merit, affecting a significant portion of the nation's 170 million population, including about 32 million young people who are out of work or education.

Prime Minister Hasina has faced criticism for her handling of the situation, particularly after labeling the protesters as "razakar," a term historically used to describe collaborators with the Pakistani army during the 1971 war of independence. She attributed the violence to political opponents, while the main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party denied any involvement.

The international community has responded to the situation, with several countries, including India and Malaysia, evacuating their citizens from the violence-affected areas. The Bangladeshi government has indicated that the curfew will be lifted fully when the situation stabilizes. 

Some key facts about Bangladesh:

• Geography:
• Located in South Asia, bordering India and Myanmar.
• Eighth most populous country globally with nearly 170 million people.
• Mostly flat with some hills in the southeast.
• Home to the world's largest mangrove forest, the Sundarbans.
• Experiences a tropical monsoon climate with six distinct seasons.
• People and Culture:
• Bengali is the dominant language, with almost 99% of the population speaking it.
• Islam is the main religion, practiced by around 86% of the population.
• Known for its rich cultural heritage, including folk music, dance, and literature.
• Economy:
• One of the world's fastest-growing economies, but still faces challenges like poverty and overpopulation.
• Major exports include textiles, garments, and seafood.
• A leader in climate change vulnerability due to its low-lying geography.
• History:
• Gained independence from Pakistan in 1971.
• Previously East Bengal, part of the historical Bengal region.
• Other Interesting Facts:
• Home to the Royal Bengal Tiger, the national animal.
• One of the world's most densely populated countries.
• Has a long coastline with the Bay of Bengal.