THE PEOPLE OF Bangladesh ousted the country’s prime minister Sheik Hasina Wazed yesterday, August 5, amid massive protests against her rule. She was ousted a day after the country’s bloodiest protests, in which police opened fire on thousands of protesters, instantly killing more than 90 and injuring hundreds.

The protests began at universities against the quota system for employment in the civil bureaucracy. Resistance quickly grew after Hasina’s forces repeatedly attacked demonstrations. Hasina imposed a curfew, blocked internet access, and shut down universities and the media. Protesting citizens demanded Hasina’s ouster at the height of police brutality. In total, more than 300 have been killed since protests erupted in June.

At the heart of the protests by students and citizens of Bangladesh is the severe economic crisis, and the lack of jobs and opportunities in the country. The only decent jobs in the country, especially for college graduates, are government jobs which became limited because of the quota system. The Supreme Court has already reformed this system in the second week of July.