Bangladesh quota protesters call for nationwide shutdown amid clashes

Police fire tear gas shells and rubber bullets to disperse students shouting slogans in favor of quota system in public service at the university campus, in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on Wednesday (July 17). - AP

DHAKA: Student protesters demanding an end to quotas for government jobs in Bangladesh called on Thursday (July 18) for a complete shutdown nationwide, after deadly clashes this week killed six and injured hundreds.

Angered by high youth unemployment, with nearly 32 million out of work or education among a population of 170 million, the students have pressed for the abolition of a quota of 30 per cent reservations for the families of freedom fighters.