To: Concerned Bangladeshi Americans and Global Citizens

=== Update: Since we posted our petition, the situation in Bangladesh has worsened drastically. Over 100 people were killed in a single day by government forces, and the government has completely shut down the internet nationwide. We are in the dark about what is happening in our country. Additionally, they have enforced Section 144 and issued shoot-on-sight orders. We demand justice, but this is impossible under the current regime. Enough is enough. We call for the current regime to step down and bring people to justice who are involved in this killing spree. ===

We, the Bangladeshi diaspora in America, stand in solidarity with the brave students of Bangladesh who are protesting against the unjust quota system in government jobs and the hurtful rhetoric used by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to belittle the protesters. The demand for a fair, merit-based recruitment process is both righteous and constitutional.

On July 4, 2024, the Supreme Court upheld the reinstatement of the quota system, reversing the 2018 decision that had abolished it. This system reserves 56% of first-class government jobs for specific groups, leaving only 44% based on merit, with even worse disparities in second-class, primary schools, and other job types. This discriminatory practice undermines equality and the future of deserving, talented individuals.

Tragically, the peaceful student protests have been met with horrendous violence. As of July 18, at least 23 peaceful protesters, including students, have lost their lives due to the brutal actions of the police and the ruling party's student wing, Chatra League. The atrocities are believed to be of a much greater magnitude. The situation has been exacerbated by the government's decision to shut down the entire communication network, including the internet. These state-sponsored atrocities are an outrageous violation of Bangladesh’s constitution and human rights, posing a serious threat to democracy.

We call on the Government of Bangladesh to:

1. Cease all violence against protesters immediately.
2. Engage in peaceful discussions with all parties to resolve this issue without further casualties.
3. Provide proportionate compensation to the families of those killed or harmed during the protest.
4. Investigate the atrocities committed by police and Chatra League through an independent body and bring them to justice.
5. Ensure a transparent, merit-based recruitment process in all government jobs.

We urge the international community, including diplomatic missions in Bangladesh and human rights organizations, to support this just cause and take necessary measures to ensure that the Bangladeshi government upholds justice and equality.

Please sign this petition to support the courageous students fighting for justice in Bangladesh. Together, we can amplify their voices and demand change and justice.

Sign now and stand with the students of Bangladesh!

Attention: Please note we are not collecting any donation for this petition.

Relevant international news articles:

https://www.france24.com/en/asia-pacific/20240719-student-protesters-storm-prison-bangladesh-death-toll-tops-100-dhaka​

https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/why-are-bangladesh-students-protesting-against-job-quotas-2024-07-18/​

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/18/world/asia/bangladesh-student-protests.html​

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/7/18/bangladesh-cuts-mobile-internet-as-student-protests-over-jobs-intensify​

https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/student-protesters-vow-complete-shutdown-bangladesh-after-days-112055767