As China's textile industry continues to shift to Southeast Asia, Bangladesh's textile industry is experiencing rapid development. In recent years, Bangladesh has become the world's second largest textile and clothing exporter after China, and it is predicted that in 2023, Bangladesh's clothing exports will surpass China in the future and become the world's first.
But recently, large-scale riots have occurred in the country.
Recently, large-scale protests broke out in Bangladesh due to the government's restoration of the controversial work quota system.
The scale and intensity of the protests, as well as the serious consequences they have caused, have attracted widespread attention from the international community.
According to Central News Agency, in order to quell the growing domestic unrest caused by student demonstrations, Bangladeshi soldiers patrolled major cities today, and riot police opened fire on protesters who violated the government's curfew. The British "Guardian" reported that the authorities have issued a "shoot to kill" order to the police.
Bangladesh's work quota system can be traced back to 1972, when it was introduced by the country's first leader Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. This system aims to reserve a certain percentage of government jobs for the children and grandchildren of fighters in the 1971 War of Independence and other specific groups.
In 2018, the system was deemed illegal and abolished.
However, on June 5, 2023, the Bangladesh High Court restored a quota system that reserves 30% of government jobs for the children of "freedom fighters". The move has sparked widespread dissatisfaction and protests, especially among college graduates in the context of high unemployment.
Nearly one-fifth of Bangladesh's population is unemployed, and protesters are demanding a merit-based recruitment system that treats everyone fairly. Some analysts also believe that this is related to the re-election of Bangladeshi Prime Minister Hasina.
At present, the protests are still continuing and the situation has not been effectively controlled. According to AFP, the protests have caused 105 deaths and many others were injured.
According to the "Foreign Ministry Spokesperson's Office", at the regular press conference of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on July 19, a Reuters reporter asked: Due to student protests, Bangladesh is facing Internet and telephone line interruptions. What is the situation of Chinese companies and citizens in Bangladesh? Has the Ministry of Foreign Affairs taken measures to ensure the safety of Chinese citizens in Bangladesh?
A spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said: China has noted the recent events in Bangladesh. This is an internal affair of Bangladesh. I believe that the Bangladeshi government will handle it properly to maintain national unity and stability. The Chinese Embassy in Bangladesh will also continue to pay close attention to the safety of Chinese citizens and enterprises in Bangladesh and provide necessary assistance within its duties.
