A curfew has been enforced across Bangladesh, and the military has been deployed to quell escalating civil unrest that has claimed the lives of at least 133 people. The unrest, sparked by student protests and widespread demonstrations, has presented a significant challenge to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government.
The curfew, which began at midnight, is set to remain in effect until at least 10:00 a.m. Sunday. The decision to impose the curfew and deploy military troops came after police struggled to control the violence. Armed forces spokesman Shahdat Hossain confirmed that the army has been dispatched nationwide to restore law and order.
The situation remains tense as troops patrol the streets of Dhaka and other major cities. Early morning scenes in the capital showed streets nearly deserted, with troops visible on foot and in armored personnel carriers. However, by midday, protests resumed in neighborhoods like Rampura, where police fired on demonstrators, injuring at least one person.
Protesters have voiced frustration over the government’s handling of the crisis, with some claiming that the state is using excessive force. “Our backs are to the wall,” said protester Nazrul Islam. “There’s anarchy going on in the country… They are shooting at people like birds.”
Hospitals across the country are reporting a rise in gunshot injuries and fatalities. The Dhaka Medical College Hospital reported that two police officers and nine others were killed on Saturday, with several others in critical condition. In Savar, a key industrial town, three additional protesters were killed, adding to the death toll.
The violence began earlier this week following protests against a controversial quota system in Bangladesh’s civil service. The quota system reserves a significant number of posts for specific groups, including children of veterans from the 1971 liberation war. Critics argue that this system disproportionately benefits those loyal to Hasina’s government, fueling further discontent.
As the protests evolved, demands have shifted from changes in the quota system to calls for the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. “It’s not about the rights of the students anymore,” said business owner Hasibul Sheikh. “Our demand is one point now, and that’s the resignation of the government.”
In response to the violence, Hasina has canceled her planned diplomatic tours to Spain and Brazil. The government has also imposed a nationwide internet shutdown since Thursday, severely limiting communication within and outside of Bangladesh. This has affected major news outlets and government websites, further complicating the situation.
Pierre Prakash of Crisis Group commented on the unrest, noting that the lack of competitive elections has contributed to rising public frustration. “With no real alternative at the ballot box, discontented Bangladeshis have few options besides street protests to make their voices heard.”
Sources By Agencies
