Protests intensify in Bangladesh again: 100 killed, India issues advisory
Nearly 100 people, including 14 policemen, were killed and hundreds injured in renewed anti-government protests across Bangladesh on Sunday. The violent demonstrations were led by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Clashes erupted between protesters and police as well as pro-government supporters, prompting security forces to deploy tear gas and stun grenades.
Protests sparked by controversial quota system
The protests were ignited last month following the reinstatement of a quota system for government jobs by the Bangladesh high court. This system reserves 30% of government jobs for families of veterans from the 1971 war of independence from Pakistan. The students are demanding an end to this quota system, which they believe is unfair and outdated.
Nationwide protests result in high death toll
On Sunday, thousands gathered in several parts of the country to demonstrate against Hasina's government. The clashes between police and students led to a death toll surpassing 90, according to local media. The Bangladeshi police reported deaths in districts across the north, west, south and center of the country. Among those killed were 14 policemen, with more than 300 officers injured nationwide during these protests.
Protesters defy curfew, storm police station
Defying a nationwide curfew, demonstrators stormed a station in the northeastern town of Enayetpur. Social media videos showed protesters waving a Bangladeshi flag atop an armored car as soldiers watched. Unidentified individuals and activists from the rightwing Islami Shashontantra Andolon joined Sunday's protests, erecting barricades on major highways and within the capital city, attacking police stations and ruling party offices, and setting several vehicles ablaze.
Internet shutdown and general holiday
In response to the escalating violence, the Bangladesh government ordered a shutdown of mobile internet services in several parts of the country. To ensure public safety, a three-day general holiday was announced for Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Prime Minister Hasina labeled those engaging in "sabotage" across the country in the name of protest as "terrorists," calling for a meeting of the National Committee on Security Affairs.
India issues travel advisory, UN condemns violence
In light of the ongoing violence, India advised its nationals against traveling to Bangladesh until further notice. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a statement advising Indian nationals in Bangladesh to exercise extreme caution and remain in contact with the High Commission of India in Dhaka. Meanwhile, United Nations human rights chief Volker Turk condemned the violence and expressed deep concern over potential further loss of life and wider destruction.
