Nearly 300 people were killed in antigovernment protests in Bangladesh on Sunday, according to local media reports.
The Associated Press (AP) reported that one of the country’s top newspapers, Prothom Alo, reported that at least 95 people, including at least 14 police officers, died in the new wave of antigovernment protests, while Channel 24 said there were at least 85 people killed.
Bangladesh – In the wake of escalating protests and civil unrest, a curfew has been imposed in the capital, Dhaka, and other regions, starting Sunday evening indefinitely.
The protests, which began last month over a quota system that reserves 30 percent of government jobs for relatives of veterans who fought in Bangladesh’s war of independence in 1971, have taken a more significant turn.
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Demonstrators are now calling for the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The demonstrations last month resulted in a tragic toll, with over 300 deaths reported as protesters clashed with police. In response to the unrest, Prime Minister Hasina had implemented an 11-day internet shutdown, which was lifted last week.
However, the situation remains volatile, with fresh protests erupting and the government responding with a new series of measures to control the unrest. In a significant escalation, the government announced a holiday from Monday to Wednesday and the suspension of mobile internet services.
Prime Minister Hasina has labeled the protests as “sabotage,” accusing those involved of being criminals. The move to suspend mobile internet services is seen as an attempt to disrupt the organization and coordination of further protests.
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The United States Department of State has issued a “Do Not Travel” advisory for Bangladesh, citing civil unrest, crime, and terrorism. The advisory comes amid concerns over the safety of foreign nationals and the potential for violence to escalate.
As the situation in Bangladesh continues to unfold, the international community watches closely, with concerns mounting over the escalating violence and the government’s response to the protests.
The call for Prime Minister Hasina’s resignation adds a new layer of complexity to the ongoing crisis, raising questions about the future of political stability in the country.
