Violence Erupts in Bangladesh as Political Crisis Intensifies: Death Toll Reaches 97 in Ongoing Protests
A fresh wave of violence has engulfed Bangladesh, leaving at least 97 people dead and hundreds injured, as widespread protests demand the immediate resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The unrest, which escalated on Sunday, saw student protesters clashing fiercely with police and ruling party activists across major cities, including the capital, Dhaka.
The protests, initially sparked by discontent over government policies, have grown into a full-blown political crisis, with Hasina's government now hanging by a thread. Demonstrators, many armed with sticks, filled Dhaka's central Shahbagh Square, with violent street battles spreading to other key cities. The government responded by imposing an indefinite nationwide curfew, marking the first time such a measure has been taken during the ongoing unrest that began last month.
A demonstrator is gesturing as protesters clash with the Border Guard Bangladesh.
The situation has become so volatile that the Indian government has issued a strong advisory against travel to Bangladesh, urging Indian nationals already in the country to exercise extreme caution. The Indian High Commission in Dhaka has also provided emergency contact numbers for citizens to stay in touch during the crisis.
Escalating Unrest and Government Response
Sunday's clashes were particularly severe, with protesters blocking major highways, vandalizing offices, and torching vehicles. In Dhaka’s Uttara area, crude bombs were detonated, and gunshots were reported. The protests have spread beyond Dhaka, with violent incidents occurring in multiple cities, indicating a nationwide crisis.
To curb the unrest, the government has taken the drastic step of shutting down high-speed internet services across the country. Social media platforms such as Facebook and WhatsApp have been blocked, even for broadband users, as authorities attempt to control the flow of information and prevent further mobilization of protesters.
Prime Minister Hasina and her party, the Awami League, have blamed opposition forces, including the now-banned Jamaat-e-Islami party, for inciting the violence. Following a national security meeting, Hasina described the protesters as "terrorists" intent on destabilizing the nation, and called on the public to "suppress these terrorists with a strong hand."
In a move aimed at de-escalating the situation, the Awami League announced that Hasina has ordered the release of detained students who are not facing serious charges like murder or vandalism. The release of jailed protesters has been one of the key demands of the agitators.
Military's Stance and Public Sentiment
The Bangladesh Army, in a carefully worded statement, asserted its role as a symbol of public trust, stating that it "has always stood by the people and will continue to do so for the sake of the people and the state." While the military has not explicitly supported the protests, the statement has been interpreted by some as a sign of wavering loyalty to the current government. Adding to this perception, several former military officers have openly joined the student movement, with former Army Chief General Ikbal Karim Bhuiyan even changing his Facebook profile picture to red—a color symbolizing solidarity with the protesters.
Roots of the Crisis and Future Implications.
The protests, which began last month, were initially triggered by discontent over a government quota system that reserved 30 percent of government jobs for families of veterans from Bangladesh's 1971 war of Independence. Although the Supreme Court later reduced the quota to 5 percent, the protests have persisted, fueled by anger over alleged government corruption and the heavy-handed tactics used by security forces to suppress dissent.
With at least 200 people killed since the unrest began, the situation in Bangladesh is rapidly deteriorating, posing a significant threat to Hasina's government. As the violence continues to spread, the international community is closely monitoring the situation, with concerns growing over the potential for further instability in the region.
The coming days will be crucial for the future of Bangladesh, as the government faces mounting pressure to address the demands of the protesters while maintaining order in a country that is increasingly on edge.