The Appellate Division of the apex court dismissed a lower court order and directed that 93 per cent of government jobs should be open to candidates on merit, Attorney General A.M. Amin Uddin told Reuters.

The government had scrapped the quota system in 2018, under which 56% of jobs were reserved for groups such as freedom fighters  families, women and people from underdeveloped districts. However, the lower court reinstated it last month, sparking the protests and an ensuing clampdown that included an internet shutdown and a curfew with the army on the streets.

The recent clashes followed similar violent protests ahead of January s national elections by Hasina s opponents in response to what they called her authoritarian rule, and by garment workers demanding better pay amid high inflation.

Also read: Bangladesh army enforces curfew as student-led protests spiral

In the country, internet and text message services have been suspended since Thursday, as security forces cracked down on protesters who defied a ban on public gatherings.

At least four protest coordinators told BBC Bangla that they planned to continue their action until they secured the release of some detained student leaders and the restoration of internet and other cellular services.

Soldiers have been patrolling the largely deserted streets of the capital Dhaka since the government ordered a curfew late on Friday. A tank was stationed outside the Supreme Court gates at the time of the hearing.

Also read: Bangladesh shuts educational institutions after six killed in anti-quota protests

Local media had reported scattered clashes earlier in the day between protesters and security forces. At least 139 people have been killed so far, according to data from hospitals.

The clashes have injured thousands across the country in recent days, as police used tear gas, rubber bullets and sound grenades to disperse protesters throwing bricks and setting fire to vehicles.

The Supreme Court directed the government to cut the job quotas for families of “independence fighters” to 5% from 30%, the attorney general said. The remaining 2% of jobs still subject to quotas are for people from so-called backward groups and the disabled, he added.