 We were returning after the funeral. They set off sound grenades, blasted homemade explosives, and lobbed tear gas at us. What is the reason for all of this? If the administration doesn't want to cooperate, how will the protests remain peaceful? Well, student protesters say the system is discriminatory and benefits supporters of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, whose Awami League party led the independence movement. They want it replaced with a merit-based system. So far, 25 people have died.