Dhaka, July 6 -- The streets of Dhaka and major cities across Bangladesh last year on this day were gripped by one of the most intense student-led uprisings in recent memory - the 'Bangla Blockade', a nationwide protest movement demanding the cancellation of the quota system in government recruitment.

On July 6, 2024, student leaders announced the 'Bangla Blockade' as frustration peaked over the government's perceived inaction and the judiciary's delay in responding to demands for reinstating the 2018 circular that had abolished quotas in public service.

"Our programmes until July 6 were limited to protest processions. But as the court kept deferring the hearing, the Bangla Blockade was declared to intensify pressure," recalled Asif Mah...