03:19A heavy police presence in Dhaka on Monday was seen following large-scale student protests over government job quota reforms. Authorities deployed a large number of officers and joint patrols with the army at key points across the capital, blocking roads with barricades.
Over 200 students, supporters and police officers were reportedly killed in recent clashes, although exact numbers have not been confirmed. Earlier this month, 'shoot-on-sight' orders and internet bans were introduced to quell the rioting.
Senior lawyer Ainun Nahar criticised the use of lethal force: "We have filed a petition in the court stating that students should not be shot during their agitation. Because the police have many ways to suppress protests, let the police do them [instead]. We want an order from the court not to shoot. "
Another activist, Jamshed Anwar Tapan, also condemned the government's actions.
"The current crisis extends beyond the quota reform movement; people are seeking freedom from this misrule," he said.
According to media reports, student groups rejected an offer of negotiations with the government. Schools and universities in the country have also closed until further notice.
Under the existing system, one-third of public sector roles are set aside for relatives of individuals designated as war heroes.
Students claim that the arrangement is discriminatory and are pushing for a recruitment process based solely on merit.
Bangladesh's highest court suspended the current quota system although demonstrations are expected to continue.
'Don't shoot our children' - Locals react as police move in on student protests in Dhaka
A heavy police presence in Dhaka on Monday was seen following large-scale student protests over government job quota reforms. Authorities deployed a large number of officers and joint patrols with the army at key points across the capital, blocking roads with barricades.
Over 200 students, supporters and police officers were reportedly killed in recent clashes, although exact numbers have not been confirmed. Earlier this month, 'shoot-on-sight' orders and internet bans were introduced to quell the rioting.
Senior lawyer Ainun Nahar criticised the use of lethal force: "We have filed a petition in the court stating that students should not be shot during their agitation. Because the police have many ways to suppress protests, let the police do them [instead]. We want an order from the court not to shoot. "
Another activist, Jamshed Anwar Tapan, also condemned the government's actions.
"The current crisis extends beyond the quota reform movement; people are seeking freedom from this misrule," he said.
According to media reports, student groups rejected an offer of negotiations with the government. Schools and universities in the country have also closed until further notice.
Under the existing system, one-third of public sector roles are set aside for relatives of individuals designated as war heroes.
Students claim that the arrangement is discriminatory and are pushing for a recruitment process based solely on merit.
Bangladesh's highest court suspended the current quota system although demonstrations are expected to continue.
A heavy police presence in Dhaka on Monday was seen following large-scale student protests over government job quota reforms. Authorities deployed a large number of officers and joint patrols with the army at key points across the capital, blocking roads with barricades.
Over 200 students, supporters and police officers were reportedly killed in recent clashes, although exact numbers have not been confirmed. Earlier this month, 'shoot-on-sight' orders and internet bans were introduced to quell the rioting.
Senior lawyer Ainun Nahar criticised the use of lethal force: "We have filed a petition in the court stating that students should not be shot during their agitation. Because the police have many ways to suppress protests, let the police do them [instead]. We want an order from the court not to shoot. "
Another activist, Jamshed Anwar Tapan, also condemned the government's actions.
"The current crisis extends beyond the quota reform movement; people are seeking freedom from this misrule," he said.
According to media reports, student groups rejected an offer of negotiations with the government. Schools and universities in the country have also closed until further notice.
Under the existing system, one-third of public sector roles are set aside for relatives of individuals designated as war heroes.
Students claim that the arrangement is discriminatory and are pushing for a recruitment process based solely on merit.
Bangladesh's highest court suspended the current quota system although demonstrations are expected to continue.