Violent Clashes In Bangladesh Claim 21 Lives, Centre Urges Indians To 'Be In Touch'

India has advised its citizens in Bangladesh to stay vigilant following deadly clashes that has reportedly claimed 21 lives. The Assistant High Commission of India in Sylhet urged all Indian nationals, including students, to be in touch.

They provided an emergency contact number: +88-01313076402.

The protests reignited today with demands for Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's resignation. The unrest centres on a controversial quota system reserving 30% of government jobs for relatives of 1971 War of Independence veterans. This system has sparked widespread discontent among students and other groups.

Violent Clashes Erupt

This morning, violent clashes erupted between protesters and supporters of the ruling Awami League. The confrontations occurred during a non-cooperation programme aimed at demanding the government's resignation.

News agency PTI reported that activists from Chhatra League and Jubo League were involved in the skirmishes.

In response to the escalating violence, the Bangladesh Home Ministry imposed an indefinite countrywide curfew starting at 6 pm today. Prime Minister Hasina labelled those causing unrest as terrorists rather than students and called for firm action against them.

The clashes have resulted in many casualties. In Rangpur, four Awami League supporters were killed, and over 100 people were injured. Additionally, two people each were killed in Bogra and Magura, including a Chhatra Dal leader, according to local media reports.

The Anti-Discrimination Students Movement has been at the forefront of these protests. They have been vocal in their demands for Ms Hasina's resignation and justice for those killed during the recent violence. Slogans calling for her resignation echoed through the streets as tensions continued to rise.

The situation has also seen significant property damage. Several vehicles at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) were set ablaze by unidentified individuals on Sunday. People armed with sticks were seen vandalising cars, ambulances, motorcycles, and buses.

Despite Ms Hasina's invitation for dialogue to ease tensions, protesters have rejected this offer. They have consolidated their demands into a unified call for the government's resignation, showing no signs of backing down.

Prime Minister Hasina convened a meeting of the National Committee on Security Affairs at Ganabhaban to address the crisis. "I appeal to the countrymen to suppress these terrorists with a firm hand," she stated during the meeting attended by top military and police officials.

The recent wave of violence follows earlier clashes where over 200 people were killed in confrontations between police and mostly student protesters.