Bangladesh is enduring a new wave of violence as protestors flood the streets once more, demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The turmoil, which has seen increasing intensity, follows a day of severe clashes resulting in 98 deaths, bringing the total death toll to approximately 300 since protests began in July.
The protests, initially sparked by student-led demonstrations against a controversial quota system that reserved 30% of government jobs for veterans’ relatives, have escalated into a broader anti-government movement. Students are now planning a large march to the capital, Dhaka, defying a nationwide curfew imposed after the recent violence. The call for Sheikh Hasina’s resignation has become a rallying cry for a diverse group of demonstrators, including students, celebrities, and activists.
The Bangladesh Home Ministry has responded by enforcing an indefinite curfew across the country and restricting mobile internet access to curb the spread of information and organize protests. To ensure public safety amid ongoing unrest, the government has declared a three-day general holiday.
The situation has drawn international attention, with India advising its nationals in Bangladesh to exercise “extreme caution” and remain in touch with the Assistant High Commission in Sylhet. The United Nations’ human rights chief, Volker Turk, has condemned the violence and urged the Bangladeshi government to cease targeting peaceful protesters.
The unrest has shifted from demands for job quota reforms to a broader call for political change, challenging Prime Minister Hasina’s 15-year rule. Despite Hasina’s invitation for dialogue, protesters remain resolute in their demand for her resignation, with demonstrations attracting widespread support across various sectors of Bangladeshi society.
