Bangladesh's top court has scaled back a contentious quota system for government jobs, reducing veterans' allocation to 5%, amid nationwide protests that have led to deadly clashes, internet shutdowns, and university closures.

The court's decision to cut the veterans' quota to 5% and allocate the majority of government jobs based on merit, with 2% reserved for ethnic minorities and transgender/disabled people, marks a substantial policy shift. This action has sparked widespread protests, with students condemning the quota system as discriminatory. The ensuing unrest has resulted in over 100 deaths, internet blackouts, and university shutdowns, presenting a severe challenge to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's administration amid allegations that the system benefits her party's supporters.

The controversy surrounding the quota system has been brewing for years, but recent actions by the High Court in June 2024 rekindled the situation, leading to a resurgence of protests. The court's reinstatement of the quota system was met with immediate opposition from students and activists who argue that it perpetuates discrimination.

Protesters have been calling for significant changes, including not only a reduction in the quota but also the reopening of university dormitories and the resignation of university officials who they say have failed to protect the students and campuses. Law Minister Anisul Huq mentioned that the government is willing to discuss these demands, signaling a potential avenue for negotiation.

The protests escalated quickly, leading to severe measures by the government. Universities were closed, and there was an unprecedented shutdown of internet services to curb the spread of information and mobilization efforts by the protesters. Authorities also imposed stay-at-home orders, urging citizens to remain indoors to avoid clashes.

On the ground, violent confrontations have been reported. Police used tear gas, rubber bullets, and smoke grenades in efforts to disperse crowds, who responded by throwing stones. The unrest reached a peak when protesters attacked and set fire to the head office of state-run Bangladesh Television. Despite these violent episodes, the main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has supported the protests, though they deny any involvement in the violence.

The death toll has been staggering, with local newspapers reporting over 100 fatalities, although official numbers have not been released by Bangladeshi authorities. The ambiguity surrounding the casualties has only fueled the tension and distrust between the protesters and the government.

Authorities have tried to impose control through various means. The Home Minister, Asaduzzaman Khan, announced a temporary relaxation of the stay-at-home order for a specific two-hour window on Sunday to allow people to run essential errands. Furthermore, the government declared Sunday and Monday as public holidays, permitting only emergency services to operate in an attempt to reduce the chances of further unrest.

The scale of the protests and the severity of the government's response highlight the significant public dissatisfaction with the quota system. The dissatisfaction has transformed into one of the most serious challenges faced by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's government since her last election victory in January, which was boycotted by major opposition groups.

Sporadic clashes have continued in various parts of Dhaka, further exemplifying the volatility of the situation. However, it remains unclear if these recent confrontations have led to additional fatalities.

The government's willingness to discuss protesters' demands could be a crucial step towards de-escalating the situation. Yet, the protestors' varied demands, including changes in university administration and dormitory policies in addition to the quota system, suggest a complex path forward.

As the situation develops, observers are keeping a close eye on the government's next moves and the potential for further unrest. The reduction of the veterans' quota marks a significant policy shift, but it remains to be seen whether this change, along with potential discussions with protest leaders, would be enough to quell the widespread dissatisfaction and restore calm across the nation.