Tensions rise as protesters call for mass mobilization in the face of deadly repression and nationwide curfew.
Defying a deadly crackdown and nationwide curfew, protesters in Bangladesh have called for a mass march in the capital, Dhaka.
Student groups at the forefront of the protests called for a siege of the capital on Monday. The call further heightens tension following deadly violence on Sunday that left around 100 dead and the announcement of a nationwide curfew.
Demonstrations that began last month against government employment quotas have turned into nationwide unrest amid a crackdown by authorities. Protesters are now demanding the resignation of long-time Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
“This student-citizen uprising will continue until the fall of Sheikh Hasina,” said protest coordinator Asif Mahmud. he said in a Facebook message Sunday night. “Tomorrow is the ‘March to Dhaka’. Travel to Dhaka now to witness history. Join the final fight,” he said.
The violence has so far resulted in the deaths of nearly 300 people, and tension was simmering in Dhaka on Monday after authorities announced a nationwide curfew the night before.
Army tanks and police vehicles were on the streets and security forces were patrolling on foot, an online news channel showed. There was almost no civilian traffic except a few motorcycles and three-wheeled taxis.
Internet access was heavily restricted, offices were closed, and more than 3,500 factories providing services to Bangladesh’s economically vital garment industry were closed.
On Monday afternoon, it was announced that Bangladesh’s army chief, Waker-Uz-Zaman, would address the nation at 2pm local time (0800 GMT).
Confrontation
At least 91 people were killed and hundreds injured on Sunday, in a wave of violence that affected 170 million people across the country, when police fired tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse tens of thousands of protesters.
The protests began last month after student groups demanded an end to a controversial quota system in public positions. This has now turned into a campaign to seek the removal of Hasina, who won a fourth consecutive term in January in an election boycotted by the opposition.
Sunday’s death toll, which included at least 13 police officers, was the highest in a single day of any protest in recent Bangladeshi history, surpassing the 67 deaths reported on July 19 when students took to the streets against quotas. .
However, fears are growing that there could be more violence on Monday, with both sides appearing ready for confrontation.
The government declared an indefinite national curfew from 6pm (12pm GMT) on Sunday and also announced a three-day general holiday from Monday.
Hasina said that those who were involved in “sabotage” and destruction in the name of the protests were no longer students but criminals, and that “iron hands” should be used to deal with them.
The Bangladesh army urged people to obey curfew rules.
“The Bangladesh Army will fulfill its promised duty in accordance with the constitution of Bangladesh and the existing laws of the country,” it said in a statement on Sunday evening.
“In this regard, people are requested to observe the curfew, as well as to cooperate fully for this purpose,” he said, adding that the curfew was imposed to ensure the safety of people’s lives, properties and important State establishments .
This story originally appeared on Aljazeera.com read the full story
