Dhaka: A fresh round of clashes erupted in Bangladesh over the weekend after nearly 100 people were killed while hundreds of others suffered injuries after clashes broke out between protesters and ruling party Awami League’s supporters. The protesters gathered in different parts of the country demanding Sheikh Hasina’s resignation. Following the violence, the Bangladeshi authorities were forced to cut off the internet across the country and impose a nationwide indefinite curfew.
The clashes broke out after protesters attending the non-cooperation programme under the Students Against Discrimination demanding Hasna to resign faced opposition from the supporters of the Awami League, Chhatra League, and Jubo League activists.
This comes days after more than 200 people were killed in violent clashes between the police and mostly student protesters demanding an end to the controversial “quota system” that reserved almost 30 per cent of government jobs for relatives of veterans who fought in Bangladesh’s War of Independence in 1971. Since then, more than 11,000 people have been arrested.
Stay tuned with Republic for all the updates related to protests in Bangladesh:
Three-Day General Holiday Announced:
The Bangladeshi government has announced a three-day general holiday from August 5-7 to control the student protest movement demanding PM Sheikh Hasina’s resignation.
‘Release Those Arbitrarily Detained’: UN Chief Urges Govt to Stop Violence
Reacting to the Bangladesh protests, UN Rights Chief Volker Turk urged the government to end the “shocking violence” and get the situation back to normal as soon as possible.
“The government must cease targeting those participating peacefully in the protest movement, immediately release those arbitrarily detained, restore full internet access, and create conditions for meaningful dialogue.”
The UN Rights Chief further said, “The continuing effort to suppress popular discontent, including through the excessive use of force, and the deliberate spread of misinformation and incitement to violence, must immediately cease.”
Internet Services Suspended, Curfew Imposed
Mobile internet services in parts of Bangladesh have been suspended and a curfew was announced in Dhaka to shut down protests in the country. The curfew starts at 6 pm and will continue indefinitely.
MEA Issues Advisory:
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), on Sunday, issued an advisory urging Indians to avoid travelling to Bangladesh, in the wake of the ongoing violent protests.
“All Indian nationals presently in Bangladesh are advised to exercise extreme caution, restrict their movements and remain in contact with the High Commission of India in Dhaka through their emergency phone numbers- 8801958383679, 8801958383680, 8801937400591,” it said.
At least 98 people have been killed in clashes, shootings and counter-chases across Bangladesh, PTI reported quoting Bengali-language newspaper Prothom Alo.
14 officials are among nearly 100 killed. Of the 14, 13 were killed in Sirajganj’s Enayetpur police station. Meanwhile, over 300 police personnel were injured.
Bangladesh Protests: Nearly 100 Killed as Fresh Violence Erupts, Curfew Imposed; MEA Issues Advisory world-news World News | Latest International Global World News | Todays Breaking News Headlines
