The death toll from the ongoing violence in Bangladesh has now reached at least 300 with armed forces and protestors engaging in more clashes. This number includes 94 people who died in a fresh outbreak of protests on Sunday according to AFP and local media.
To try to stop the surging anti-government movement that has plunged this country of over 170 million into an extremely dangerous stage, the government has issued a new curfew plus internet restrictions.
Also, on Monday, demonstrators are expected to march on Prime Minister Hasina’s official residence demanding her resignation.
During a meeting with top security officials, Hasina referred to those committing these acts as terrorists and called for “tough actions against anarchists” by its citizens. The situation escalated into scattered clashes across the country making it difficult to control.
These demonstrations started off as peaceful student protests against preferential quotas for government jobs but have spiralled into unprecedented fury over Hasina’s growing autocracy and management of the economy. Despite cracking down which led to the arrests of over 10,000 people plus police cases filed against tens of thousands others, since Friday these protests have regained full momentum.
This has only reinforced their demands since many protesters have been upset at the high fatalities prompting tens of thousands calling for Hasina’s exit after 15 years in power during rallies held on Saturday.
Bangladesh protest: Key developments
Protesters plan ‘Long march to Dhaka’
Anti-government demonstrators had plans underway for Marching up till Dhaka where they intended to hold protests on Monday following a week-end marked by deadly clashes.
At least 94 killed in fresh wave of violence
The leading Bengali daily newspaper Prothom Alo said there had been violent confrontations in Dakha on Sunday during which at least 94 people lost their lives. Fourteen policemen were among those who died while hundreds more were injured by the fighters.
Military imposes curfew in Dhaka and key regions amid unrest
On Sunday evening, the country’s capital city and other key divisional and district centers were put under a curfew by the military. Even before this, there had already been a curfew that was imposed with some exemptions in the capital city and other areas.
Government declares three-day holiday
In addition to these measures, the government declared that Monday through to Wednesday would be public holidays. Besides, closure of courts has taken effect indefinitely.
Bangladesh imposes internet blackout
Furthermore, telecommunication services have been disrupted such that mobile internet services were down and common social media platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook or Messenger and Instagram are not accessible.
PM Hasina condemns rioters as criminals
According to Prime Minister Hasina, those individuals who engaged in sabotage and destruction during these protests were not students but criminals; she called on people to stand against them firmly.
Barbed wire barriers set up near Hasina’s office
Militaries complete with law enforcement agents have used barbed wire as blockades across streets leading to Sheikh Hasina’s office in the capital.
India warns its citizens about travelling
At the same time, the Indian government has released an advisory stating that people should not go to Bangladesh for now. It is a decision made after considering the political instability and chaos in the country.
