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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SC judges to make their assets public, amid row over cash at Justice Yashwant Varma’s house: Report
New Delhi: The Supreme Court judges have reportedly agreed to disclose their assets to the public by publishing the same on the top court's website.
The decision was taken recently at a full court meeting and a resolution in this regard was adopted which will apply to future judges as well, as reported by Bar and Bench on Thursday.
A copy of the resolution is yet to be made public.
According to the report, the decision was taken in the wake of recent controversies surrounding opacity in the functioning of the judiciary, especially after a huge pile of cash was allegedly discovered at the residence of Justice Yashwant Varma, currently a judge of the Allahabad High Court.
The publication of assets on website was not mandatory earlier but was discretionary subject to whether an individual judge wanted to do the same, the report added.
