Bangladesh on the boil again, 98 dead, curfew indefinite

1. Dozens of people were also injured in fierce clashes yesterday – one of the deadliest days since the demonstrations began. With 98 deaths yesterday, the count since the protests began in July has risen to around 300.

2. Clashes broke out when protesters taking part in a non-cooperation program to demand the government’s resignation faced opposition from government supporters.

3. Bangladesh’s Home Ministry has decided to impose an indefinite curfew across the country amid violent clashes and mobile internet has been heavily restricted across the country.

4. A three-day general holiday was declared on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday to ensure public safety amid ongoing violent protests across the country.

5. A few days ago, more than 200 people were killed in violent clashes between the police and, mostly, student protesters who were demanding an end to the controversial quota system that reserved 30 percent of public jobs for families of veterans who fought in the War of Independence of Bangladesh in 1971.

6. India has strongly advised all its citizens in Bangladesh to exercise “extreme caution” and restrict their movements. “All Indian citizens including students living in the jurisdiction of the Assistant High Commission of India, Sylhet should contact this office and are advised to remain alert. In case of emergency, please contact +88-01313076402,” the Assistant High Commissioner said in a post on X.

7. United Nations human rights chief Volker Turk said the “shocking violence” in Bangladesh must end, while urging the government to stop attacking peaceful protesters.

8. Demonstrations that began last month against civil service job quotas have turned into some of the worst riots of Prime Minister Hasina’s 15-year rule and have morphed into broader calls for the 76-year-old to resign.

9. The demonstrations turned into a broader anti-government movement across Bangladesh. It attracted people from all strata of Bangladeshi society, including film stars, musicians and singers. Songs asking for people’s support spread widely on social media.

10. Protesters rejected Hasina’s invitation for a dialogue aimed at quelling the escalating violence and consolidated their demands into a unified call for the government’s resignation.

(With information from PTI, AFP)

Post a comment