Bangladesh Protests Escalate: Nearly 100 Dead, Nationwide Curfew Enforced

Nearly 100 individuals, including 14 police officers, lost their lives, and hundreds were injured on Sunday during intense clashes between protesters demanding Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's resignation and supporters of the ruling party across Bangladesh. Authorities responded by cutting off mobile internet and imposing an indefinite nationwide curfew.

The confrontations began when demonstrators, under the banner of Students Against Discrimination, demanded the government's resignation over a job quota system. They faced opposition from Awami League, Chhatra League, and Jubo League activists. According to Bengali-language newspaper Prothom Alo, at least 97 people were killed in these clashes, shootings, and counter-chases.

Violence and Casualties

Police headquarters reported that 14 policemen were killed nationwide, with 13 deaths occurring at Sirajganj's Enayetpur police station. One officer was killed in Comilla's Elliotganj. Additionally, more than 300 policemen sustained injuries. The recent violence follows earlier clashes where over 200 people died as students protested against a controversial quota system reserving 30% of government jobs for relatives of veterans from Bangladesh's War of Independence in 1971.

Officials noted that unidentified individuals and right-wing Islami Shashontantra Andolon activists joined the protests. They erected barricades on major highways and within Dhaka. Protesters attacked police stations, ruling party offices, leaders' residences, and set several vehicles ablaze.

Government Response

In response to the escalating violence, authorities imposed a curfew in major cities and towns from 6 PM Sunday. Troops, paramilitary border guards (BGB), and the elite Rapid Action Battalion were mobilised alongside police forces. The government also ordered the shutdown of Meta platforms Facebook, Messenger, WhatsApp, Instagram, and instructed mobile operators to disable 4G mobile internet services.

Prime Minister Hasina condemned the protests, stating that those engaging in sabotage are not students but terrorists. "I appeal to the countrymen to suppress these terrorists with a firm hand," she said. Hasina convened a meeting of the National Committee on Security Affairs at Ganabhaban with top security officials to address the situation.

Impact on Daily Life

The government declared a three-day general holiday starting Monday to ensure public safety amid ongoing protests. Shops and malls in Dhaka remained closed as hundreds gathered at Shahbagh and other intersections, blocking traffic and chanting anti-government slogans.

Reports indicated vandalism and arson attacks on police vehicles and government buildings in various locations. In Chattogram, residences of Education Minister Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury Nowfel and Chattogram City Corporation Mayor Rezaul Karim Chowdhury were attacked. Opposition BNP leaders' homes were also targeted in apparent retaliation.

Protesters' Demands

Nahid Islam, a coordinator of the anti-government protests, announced plans for a demonstration and mass sit-in on Monday to press their one-point demand for government resignation. They also plan to unveil Martyrs Memorial plaques across the country in memory of those killed during the quota reform movement.

The BNP and its allies have thrown their support behind the student-led movement demanding reforms to government job quotas. Prime Minister Hasina had offered talks with movement coordinators on Saturday, but they rejected her proposal.

Military Involvement

A group of former senior military generals urged the government to withdraw armed forces from the streets. "We urge the government to undertake political initiatives to resolve the ongoing crisis," said former army chief Iqbal Karim Bhuiyan. He emphasised that Bangladeshi armed forces have never faced off with citizens or aimed guns at them.

The statement read by Bhuiyan highlighted that time is needed for soldiers to transition from internal security mode to operational mode. Former army chief Nuruddin Khan joined Bhuiyan in urging immediate withdrawal of troops to prepare for any eventuality.

The situation remains tense as authorities continue efforts to restore order amid widespread unrest and demands for political change.