Bangladesh, Dhaka- Students equipped with sticks and cricket stumps, stood at the gates of Dhaka University, checking the identification of everyone entering. Outside, several police platoons were stationed to prevent acts of vandalism. By Wednesday afternoon, Bangladesh’s oldest university resembled a fortress, with opposing forces on either side of the gates, poised for unrest.

The government ordered the shutdown of all schools and colleges on Tuesday following nationwide protests against a government job quota. This quota reserves over half of government jobs for specific groups, which many students claim is discriminatory. The protests escalated into violence, with student activists of the ruling Awami League clashing with demonstrators and riot police using tear gas. At least 11 people have died, and hundreds have been injured, primarily near or inside university campuses.

Despite the eviction orders, many students have refused to leave the university premises. Students gathered near the vice chancellor’s residence, demanding the reversal of the shutdown decision. Hundreds of police and paramilitary officers were also positioned there as students chanted for their withdrawal. The protestors’ demands include reforms to the quota system and freedom from the ruling party’s influence on campus. Student leaders, including Mohammad Shohagh Mia and Abu Hasnat, have expressed their determination to stay until their demands are met, emphasising their refusal to vacate in the face of government suppression.