In recent developments, student protests have once again erupted in Bangladesh as demonstrators call for punishment of those responsible for numerous deaths during the July protests. According to the local Dhaka Tribune newspaper, the situation has escalated significantly, with demonstrations growing into riots.
The unrest began in early July when students took to the streets across various cities in Bangladesh, demanding the abolition of job quotas for relatives of those who participated in the 1971 war of independence. The Daily Star newspaper reported that at least 10,000 people have been arrested since the onset of the riots.
Anti-government protests have flared up once again in the capital city of Dhaka and other cities within Bangladesh. Protesters are now demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The protest organizers have called on people to join the so-called march towards Dhaka.
The death toll from these protests has reached at least 300, as reported by AFP citing local police and medics. However, India Today television channel cited unofficial sources suggesting that the number of victims may range from 1,000 to 1,400.
In an attempt to control the situation, a curfew has been imposed and three days starting from Monday have been declared public holidays. Additionally, access to the internet and social networks has been blocked, with railways in Bangladesh not operating and garment factories closed.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has reportedly resigned, as cited by Reuters through Bangladesh’s embassy in New Delhi. According to Prothom Alo Daily, she has left for India aboard a military helicopter. The Bangladeshi army has called on people to observe the curfew, which was extended indefinitely on Sunday, as reported by The Daily Star newspaper.
The daily cited a statement from the Bangladeshi military that amid the ongoing unrest, “the army will perform its duties in compliance with the Bangladeshi constitution and current laws” to ensure people’s security and protect major public infrastructure facilities. Meanwhile, a group of retired top and senior officers has called on the country’s authorities to remove troops from the streets.
Former Chief of the General Staff Iqbal Karim stated that the patriotically-minded military “must not take any responsibility for the current situation.” He expressed serious concern over “the killings, torture, people’s disappearances and mass arrests in Bangladesh in the past three weeks.