Bangladesh Unrest Intensifies: Protesters Torch Jail, Free Hundreds Of Prisoners

Violent protests and clashes continued in Bangladesh on Friday, with reports of demonstrators storming Narsingdi's Central Jail and freeing hundreds of inmates before setting the facility ablaze. A police officer confirmed the incident, stating that the inmates fled after the jail was set on fire.

Telecommunications across Bangladesh were widely disrupted due to the ongoing unrest. Authorities had already suspended mobile services on Thursday to control the situation, but by Friday morning, disruptions had spread nationwide. Overseas telephone calls were mostly unsuccessful, and internet-based calls could not be completed.

Government Websites Hacked Amid Protests

Several official websites, including those of the central bank, prime minister's office, and police, were hacked by a group identifying itself as "THE R3SISTANC3." The hacked sites displayed messages such as "Operation HuntDown, Stop Killing Students" and declared that "It's not a protest anymore, it's a war now." Another message urged people to stay informed despite internet shutdowns.

The death toll from these protests has risen to 64 as students clash with law enforcement and members of the ruling Awami League's student wing, Bangladesh Chhatra League. With nearly 32 million young people out of work or education in a country of 170 million, protesters are demanding a merit-based system for civil service hiring.

Public Rallies Banned in Dhaka

In response to escalating violence, police banned all public rallies in Dhaka for the first time since the protests began. Police chief Habibur Rahman stated that all rallies, processions, and public gatherings were prohibited in an effort to prevent further violence. Additionally, train services were suspended following the violent incidents.

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs advised Indian nationals in Bangladesh to follow guidelines issued by the High Commission of India in Dhaka. The advisory urged them to avoid local travel amid violent quota protests and provided helpline numbers for assistance.

Origins of the Protest

The protests began last month after the high court reinstated a quota system for government jobs. This decision overturned Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's 2018 move to scrap it. The system reserved 30% of jobs for family members of freedom fighters from the 1971 war for independence from Pakistan. Similar student protests occurred at that time as well.

The Supreme Court later suspended the high court order after an appeal from the government and set August 7 as the date for hearing the government's challenge. However, students intensified their protests when Hasina refused to meet their demands due to ongoing court proceedings.