A fresh wave of violence swept through multiple cities in Bangladesh, resulting in over 72 deaths and hundreds of injuries as student protesters clashed with police and ruling party activists on Sunday. Police deployed tear gas and stun grenades to disperse tens of thousands of protesters demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
In response, the government declared an indefinite nationwide curfew starting at 6 pm on Sunday. This is the first time such a measure has been implemented during the current protests, which began last month. Indian authorities in Bangladesh have advised their citizens to “remain alert” given the volatile situation.
Background and Escalation
Students in Bangladesh have been protesting for over a month, calling for the abolition of a quota system for government jobs. The protests, which have often turned violent, have resulted in at least 200 deaths nationwide, with the capital, Dhaka, being the epicenter.
On Sunday, large crowds of protesters, many armed with sticks, gathered in Dhaka’s central Shahbagh Square. Street battles erupted in multiple locations in Dhaka and other key cities, with protesters blocking major highways, clashing with police, and confronting supporters of the ruling Awami League.
Calls for Non-Cooperation
Protesters, including students and groups backed by the main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party, have called for ‘non-cooperation,’ urging people not to pay taxes, and utility bills, or go to work on Sunday, a working day in Bangladesh. They attacked offices and establishments that were open, including the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University in Dhaka’s Shahbagh area. In Dhaka’s Uttara area, witnesses reported crude bombs detonating and gunshots. Several vehicles were also torched, according to the Associated Press.
A policeman in Dhaka’s Munshiganj district described the city as a “battleground.” Protest leaders had urged agitators to arm themselves with bamboo sticks, following a previous round of protests in July that was largely crushed by the police.
International and Government Responses
The Assistant High Commission of India in Sylhet City advised Indian nationals to remain alert and in touch with the office, providing an emergency contact number for assistance.
Prime Minister Hasina and her party have dismissed the protesters’ pressure, blaming opposition parties and the now-banned right-wing Jamaat-e-Islami party for instigating violence. After a national security meeting, Hasina labeled the protesters as “terrorists” aiming to destabilize the nation and called on citizens to suppress them forcefully.
Despite this, the Awami League announced that the Prime Minister has ordered the release of all detained students who are innocent and not accused of serious crimes like murder and vandalism. This move addresses one of the key demands of the protesters.
Army’s Stance
The Bangladesh Army, without explicitly supporting the protesters, stated their allegiance to the people. Army Chief Waker-uz-Zaman emphasized that the army is a “symbol of the people’s trust” and will continue to support the state and its citizens. Some former military officers have joined the student movement, with ex-Army Chief General Ikbal Karim Bhuiyan showing his support by turning his Facebook profile picture red.
Quota System Controversy
The protests began last month over a quota system that reserved 30 percent of government jobs for families of veterans from Bangladesh’s 1971 war of independence. As demonstrations intensified, the Supreme Court reduced the quota to 5 percent, with 3 percent dedicated to veterans’ relatives. However, protests continued, with demonstrators demanding accountability for the government’s alleged excessive force in quelling the unrest.
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