More Than 500 Arrested In Bangladesh Over Job Quota Violence

More than 500 people, including opposition leaders, were arrested during protests in Dhaka, Bangladesh's capital, police reported Monday.

"At least 532 people have been arrested over the violence," Dhaka Metropolitan Police spokesman Faruk Hossain stated.

"They include some BNP leaders," he added, referring to the opposition Bangladesh National Party.

On Sunday, the Supreme Court ordered that 93% of government jobs be allocated based on merit, replacing earlier quotas of 56% for groups such as families of freedom fighters, women, and individuals from underdeveloped areas.

There were no reports of violence or protests on Monday morning. Media reported that the curfew would be relaxed for three hours in the afternoon, extended from two hours the previous day, to allow people to buy essentials.

Student protesters have announced plans to continue demonstrations until the detained protest leaders are released. They also demanded the government lift the curfew and reopen universities, which have been shut since Wednesday.