A wave of protests has engulfed Bangladesh, as students defy a nationwide curfew and march to the capital, Dhaka, demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. This call for action comes after a day of deadly clashes that resulted in nearly 100 fatalities, marking one of the most violent days in the country’s recent history.
On Sunday, violence erupted across the South Asian country of 170 million people. Police used tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse tens of thousands of protesters, leading to at least 91 deaths and hundreds of injuries. The death toll included at least 13 police officers, surpassing the 67 deaths reported on July 19 during similar protests against the government’s controversial quota system in government jobs.
Curfew and Shutdowns
In response to the escalating violence, the government imposed an indefinite nationwide curfew starting Sunday evening, along with a three-day general holiday. The country’s railway services have been suspended, and the massive garments industry has been shut down indefinitely for the safety of the workers.
Protesters Defy Curfew
Despite the curfew, protest organizers are urging students to march to Dhaka. “The government has killed many students. The time has come for the final answer,” said protest coordinator Asif Mahmud in a Facebook statement. Protesters are being called to converge in Dhaka from surrounding districts to take a stand in the streets.
Military and Police Presence
The streets of Dhaka are patrolled by army tanks, police vehicles, and foot patrols. The Bangladesh army has urged citizens to comply with the curfew for their safety and to protect important state establishments.
The protests, which began over a month ago with demands to scrap the quota system in government jobs, have evolved into a broader campaign for Hasina’s resignation. The violence has spread to 39 of the country’s 64 districts, with attacks on government buildings, police stations, and properties linked to the ruling Awami League party.
Economic Disruptions
The closure of garment factories, which supply some of the world’s top brands, highlights the economic impact of the unrest. The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association announced the shutdown, prioritizing the safety of workers amid the chaos.
Calls for Political Resolution
There are growing calls for a political resolution to the crisis. Retired military officers have urged Hasina to withdraw troops and engage in dialogue to address the protesters’ demands. Meanwhile, Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman has reaffirmed the army’s commitment to the nation’s interests.
Prime Minister Hasina and her government have been accused of using excessive force against protesters, a charge they deny. Hasina has characterized the protesters as terrorists aiming to destabilize the nation, while opposition leaders and human rights groups continue to criticize the government’s handling of the situation.
Digital Blackout
For the second time during the protests, the government has shut down high-speed internet services, and social media platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp are inaccessible, even via broadband connections.
The current protests are a continuation of the unrest that began last month when student groups protested against the government job quota system. Although the Supreme Court scrapped most of the quotas, demands for justice and Hasina’s resignation have kept the movement alive.
International Appeal
Exiled opposition leader Tarique Rahman has described the protests as a struggle between autocracy and democracy, calling on the international community to support the cause of truth and justice.
As Bangladesh teeters on the brink of further unrest, the world watches closely, hoping for a peaceful resolution to the conflict that has already claimed too many lives.
