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July 17, 2024

6 Killed in Bangladesh as Student Protests Seek End to Gov't Job Quota
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In Bangladesh, at least six people have been killed in a wave of student
protests over government quotas on public sector jobs. Up to 30% of
those positions are reserved for the relatives of soldiers who fought in
Bangladesh's independence war against Pakistan in 1971. Critics say the
quota unfairly benefits families who support Prime Minister Sheikh
Hasina. A number of government jobs are also designated for women,
ethnic minorities and disabled job applicants, but those are not
included in protesters' grievances. Schools and universities across
Bangladesh have shut down amid the growing unrest.


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