Bangladesh sees fresh protests over increasing age limit for government jobs

The police fired tear gas shells and rubber bullets in an attempt to stop the protesters from marching towards the residence of Bangladesh Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus in Dhaka.

In Short

• Protesters in Dhaka demand raising government job age limit from 31 to 35
• March to Chief Advisor's residence leads to clashes with police
• Police use tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse protesters

Protesters took to the streets of Dhaka on Monday demanding the Bangladesh caretaker government to increase the age limit from 31 to 35 for government jobs. The fresh protest in the capital city came as the crisis-hit nation is still recovering from the political turmoil that erupted in August, leading to the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

On Monday morning, the protesters gathered in front of the National Museum in the city's Shahbagh. From there, they started their march to Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus's official residence, Jamuna in Minto Road.

According to local media reports, the protesters ignored a police restriction on rallies and gatherings in front of the Chief Advisor’s residence and attempted to occupy the premises.

As the protest march proceeded, police personnel deployed in the area tried to block the demonstrators from moving ahead, leading to clashes and scuffles between the two sides.

In an attempt to disperse the protesters, the police then resorted to firing tear gas shells and rubber bullets.

This is not the first time that Bangladesh witnessed protests demanding an increase to the age limit. During Sheikh Hasina's Awami League-led regime, several such demonstrations took place, but the then government rejected the demand.

Despite the formation of a new caretaker government in the wake of the political crisis two months ago, lawlessness is still evident across Bangladesh.

In a separate incident also on Monday, a garment worker was shot dead and 50 others injured during violent clashes between the police and protesters in Ashulia, located in the outskirts of Dhaka.

The protesters, comprising garment workers, were demanding the administration to clear their pending dues.

However, the protest soon took a violent turn as the demonstrators vandalised shops and police vehicles in the area. As a result, the police opened fire at the protesters.