Return of 'Razakars' to Bangladesh's political discourse after 53 years
Protests intensify following remarks by PM Sheikh Hasina, labeling protestors as "Razakars"
Dhaka: Violence in Bangladesh has resulted in over 130 deaths as students call for reforms to the quota system for government jobs. The protests intensified after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina referred to the protestors as "Razakars," a term historically associated with the pro-Pakistani force that opposed Bangladesh's independence during the 1971 War of Independence.
The protests reached a critical point this week when student activists from Dhaka University, the country's largest university, clashed violently with police and Awami League supporters.
The controversial quota system reserves up to 30% of government jobs for the descendants of veterans from the 1971 war. Protesters argue that this system is discriminatory and disproportionately benefits supporters of Prime Minister Hasina's Awami League. They demand a shift to a merit-based system. Hasina's comments at a public event further fueled the protests.
"If not the grandchildren of the freedom fighters, then who will get quota benefits? The grandchildren of the 'Razakars'?" Hasina asked. "This is my question. I want to ask the people of the nation. If the protesters don't comply, I can do nothing. They can continue their protest. If protesters damage properties or attack cops, the law will take its course. We can't help."
The "Razakars" were a paramilitary force recruited by the Pakistani army during the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War, consisting mainly of pro-Pakistani Bengalis and Urdu-speaking Biharis. They were implicated in atrocities, including mass killings, rapes, and torture. Civilian deaths during the war are estimated between 300,000 and 3 million, leaving deep scars in the national consciousness.
In 2010, Hasina's government established the International Crimes Tribunal to prosecute those accused of war crimes during 1971. This was part of her electoral promises to address historical injustices. The tribunal has convicted several individuals, mostly from the now-banned Jamaat-e-Islami party.
In December 2019, the government published a list of 10,789 identified "Razakars," marking the first official recognition of these collaborators. This list included prominent figures and aimed to ensure historical accountability.
The protests are rooted in the quota system for government jobs, which reserves significant portions for descendants of freedom fighters. Established in 1972 and briefly abolished in 2018 before being reinstated, this system has been contentious. Critics argue it disproportionately benefits Awami League supporters, limiting opportunities for other qualified candidates.
"They are protesting against the repressive nature of the state," said Mubashar Hasan, a Bangladesh expert at the University of Oslo, to AFP. "Protesters are questioning Hasina's leadership, accusing her of clinging to power by force. The students are calling her a dictator."
Student protests against the quota system have a history in Bangladesh. The current wave began after the system's reinstatement, followed by the Supreme Court's suspension of the order pending a government appeal, leaving students frustrated. Their demands for a merit-based system feel ignored.
The grievances extend beyond the quota system, including high youth unemployment and a stagnant economy. Public sector jobs are highly sought after in a country with limited economic opportunities.
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Rajasthan: Constable shunted to police lines after sharing Rahul Gandhi's post on 'vote theft'
Jaipur (PTI): A constable posted in Didwana-Kuchaman was shunted to police lines after he allegedly reposted a post by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi using the official X handle of the district police.
The post, which alleged "vote theft" in Haryana by the central government and the Election Commission, was reposted on Wednesday evening. However, it was removed immediately after the matter came to the notice of senior officials.
Officials said that the police department does not support the post.
The constable was responsible for operating the X handle. He was removed from the duty and attached to police lines, the officials said.
Superintendent of Police Richa Tomar said that the police department does not support the post and it was removed immediately after it came to notice.
"The post may have been shared due to an individual's mistake or account hacking. A detailed inquiry has been assigned to the Additional Superintendent of Police, Didwana," the SP added.
The post had claimed irregularities in Haryana's voter list, including multiple votes registered under the same photo and duplicate entries across different constituencies.
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