Bangladesh Job Quota Protests: US Issues Travel Warning, Canada Urges Peace

In response to escalating tensions and widespread demonstrations in Bangladesh, the United States has issued a travel advisory urging its citizens to avoid visiting the South Asian country. The US State Department raised its travel warning to Level 4 on Saturday, citing significant ‘civil unrest’ and warning of ongoing protests and violent clashes in Dhaka and other regions.

The advisory follows large-scale protests sparked by student dissatisfaction with the government’s job quota system, leading to violent confrontations with police and a rising death toll. The State Department’s statement highlighted the severity of the situation, advising against travel to Bangladesh due to the ongoing unrest. It also noted that routine consular services may be delayed due to the security situation.

In light of the unrest, the US government has authorized the voluntary departure of non-emergency personnel and their families from Bangladesh for safety reasons.

Background on Bangladesh’s Protests

The protests in Bangladesh have been driven by demands for reforms to the nation’s civil service job quota system, which reserves positions for specific groups, including descendants of individuals who fought War of Independence against Pakistan in the 1971 . In response to the widespread demonstrations, the Bangladeshi government has imposed a nationwide curfew and suspended mobile internet services.

Authorities have employed tear gas to disperse protesters and enacted strict measures such as banning public gatherings, restricting communications, deploying troops, and enforcing curfews.

Canada’s Concern Over Violence

Canada has also expressed deep concern over the escalating violence in Bangladesh. Minister of Foreign Affairs Melanie Joly called for an end to the violence and urged all parties to work towards a peaceful resolution. “Canada is deeply concerned by the escalation in violence following the protests in Bangladesh. We call on all parties involved to collaborate to halt further violence and reach a peaceful resolution,” Joly stated in a recent message on X.

Similarly, Canada’s Minister of National Defence, Bill Blair, condemned the violence, describing the loss of lives and attacks on student protesters as deeply troubling. “I am deeply concerned by the ongoing violence in Bangladesh. The attacks on student protesters and the loss of life are unacceptable. Upholding democratic freedoms and the rule of law is essential and must be respected,” Blair emphasized.

The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, with calls for dialogue and peaceful resolution growing in response to the unrest in Bangladesh.