Dhaka: Fresh protests in Bangladesh have resulted in 50 deaths and over 200 injuries, according to government sources and media reports. Protesters are demanding the removal of Sheikh Hasina and her government, continuing the unrest sparked by opposition to the quota system reservation laws that began last month.
In response, the government has imposed a nationwide curfew. All schools and offices have been shut until further notice. Additionally, internet services have been suspended, and social media platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp have been blocked as of August 2.
This crackdown follows the Bangladesh government’s ban on Jamat-e-Islami and its youth wing for their involvement in the previous month’s violent protests. Protesters, mainly from the banned party, clashed with the youth wing of the ruling party, leading to widespread violence.
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The Assistant High Commission of India in Sylhet has advised all Indian nationals, including students, to stay in touch with their office and remain vigilant. “In case of emergencies, please contact +88-01313076402,” the commission stated in a post on X.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who was elected for a fourth consecutive term in January, has faced mounting opposition. Protests began shortly after her re-election, with students demanding an end to the quota system for government jobs, which they claim is discriminatory. The system reserves 30% of jobs for relatives of veterans from Bangladesh’s war of independence against Pakistan in 1971.
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In response to the escalating violence, Bangladeshi police have enforced a strict curfew, with a “shoot-on-sight” order in effect across the country.
