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.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Bihar's 'Munnabhais': CBI registers fresh case in NEET-UG irregularities; 8 booked
New Delhi, Jan 15: The CBI has registered a fresh case in connection with alleged impersonation by four NEET-UG, 2024 candidates in Bihar's Purnea, officials said on Wednesday.
The central probe agency took over the case from Bihar Police on a request from the state government.
The principal of SRDAV public school, one of the centres for the prestigious medical entrance examination held on May 5 last year, has alleged that the candidates' biometrics showed four impersonators were taking the exam rather than genuine candidates, according to an FIR registered in the matter.
According to the FIR, one Nitish Kumar of Bhojpur appeared for Ashish Kumar of Mujaffarpur, Kamlesh Kumar of Jalore (Rajasthan) appeared for Dheeraj Prakash of Siwan, Saurabh Kumar of Begusarai appeared for Tathaghat Kumar of Sitamarhi and Mayank Chaudhary of Sitamarhi appeared for Deepak Kumar Singh of Muzaffarpur.
The CBI has booked all eight for alleged impersonation, cheating and forgery among others.
The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET-UG) is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for admissions to MBBS, BDS, AYUSH and other medical courses in government and private institutions.
The exam was conducted on May 5, 2024 at 4,750 centres in 571 cities, including 14 abroad. More than 23 lakh candidates appeared for the test.
The Bihar Police launched a crackdown after getting inputs of an alleged leak of the paper and it soon snowballed into a major political issue.
The Union education ministry handed over the probe to the CBI, which had registered several FIRs in the case, taking over probes from different states including Bihar.
The agency had registered first FIR into the case on June 23 last year.
