Violent Clashes in Bangladesh: Protesters vs. Ruling Party Supporters

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

The confrontations began Sunday morning during a non-cooperation programme led by Students Against Discrimination. They demanded the government's resignation over a job quota system. Supporters of the Awami League, Chhatra League, and Jubo League opposed them. Bengali-language newspaper Prothom Alo reported that at least 98 people died in these clashes.

Violence and Casualties

According to police headquarters, 14 officers were killed nationwide, with 13 deaths occurring at Sirajganj's Enayetpur police station. One officer was killed in Comilla's Elliotganj. Over 300 policemen were injured during the unrest. The violence followed earlier clashes that resulted in over 200 deaths among student protesters demanding an end to a controversial job quota system.

Prime Minister Hasina addressed the nation, stating, "I appeal to the countrymen to suppress these terrorists with a firm hand." She convened a meeting of the National Committee on Security Affairs at Ganabhaban, attended by top security officials including the chiefs of the Army, Navy, Air Force, police, RAB, and BGB.

Government Response

Authorities ordered a curfew from 6 PM Sunday in major cities and towns across Bangladesh. Troops, paramilitary border guards BGB, and the elite Rapid Action Battalion were mobilised alongside police forces. The government also shut down Meta platforms Facebook, Messenger, WhatsApp, and Instagram. Mobile operators were instructed to disable 4G mobile internet services.

The government declared a three-day general holiday starting Monday to ensure public safety amid ongoing protests. The Daily Star reported that several vehicles at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) were torched by unidentified individuals. People carrying sticks vandalised private cars, ambulances, motorcycles, and buses on hospital premises.

Protests and Public Reaction

Hundreds of students and professionals gathered at Dhaka’s Shahbagh, blocking traffic on all sides. Protesters also assembled at the Science Lab intersection of the capital city on the first day of the non-cooperation movement. They chanted anti-government slogans while demanding reforms to job quotas reserved for veterans' relatives.

Nahid Islam, a coordinator of the anti-government protests, announced plans for further demonstrations and mass sit-ins on Monday. He stated they would unveil Martyrs Memorial plaques nationwide to honour those killed during the quota reform movement.

Impact on Infrastructure

Reports indicated vandalism and arson attacks on police vehicles and government buildings in multiple locations. In Chattogram, residences of Education Minister Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury Nowfel and Chattogram City Corporation Mayor Rezaul Karim Chowdhury were attacked. The office of AL MP Md Mohiuddin Bachchu was also targeted.

In apparent retaliation, homes of several Opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leaders were attacked. This included Standing Committee member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury's residence. The BNP and its allies have supported the student-led movement demanding job quota reforms.

Calls for Resolution

A group of former senior military generals urged the government to withdraw armed forces from streets and return them to barracks. Former army chief Iqbal Karim Bhuiyan stated, "Do not destroy the good standing of our armed forces by keeping them engaged in a disgraceful campaign." He emphasised that Bangladeshi armed forces have never faced off against citizens.

Shops and malls in Dhaka remained closed amid protests. Dhaka Medical College Hospital sources reported that 56 people with bullet injuries were brought in from various locations including Shahbagh and Dhanmondi.

The government leaders claimed that fundamentalist Jamaat-e-Islami and their student front Islami Chhatra Shibir hijacked the peaceful campaign with support from ex-premier Khaleda Zia’s BNP. Prime Minister Hasina had offered talks with movement coordinators on Saturday but was rejected.

The situation remains tense as authorities continue efforts to restore order amidst widespread unrest across Bangladesh.