Bangladesh Protests Worsening

Bangladesh is experiencing severe unrest as student-led protests against a government job quota system have escalated into widespread violence, resulting in 39 deaths. The government has imposed a communications blackout, blocking mobile internet and social media access, and shutting down news broadcasts after protesters stormed and set fire to the state broadcaster's headquarters. The demonstrations, which began on university campuses, have spread across the country, leading to clashes with police and pro-government groups. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has ordered the indefinite closure of universities and colleges. The protests, initially focused on the quota system that reserves 30% of government jobs for veterans' families, have evolved into broader anti-government sentiment. Critics argue that the system unfairly benefits the ruling Awami League party. The unrest reflects deeper political and economic tensions in Bangladesh, including high youth unemployment and concerns about the lack of democratic representation.