Bangladesh Imposes Curfew and Deploys Military Amid Ongoing Unrest
Bangladesh is under a national curfew, with military forces patrolling cities following violent clashes between student protesters and police over civil service job quotas. The protests have resulted in over 130 deaths and nearly 300 injured police officers. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has canceled her diplomatic visits due to the violence. Despite the curfew, protests continue in Dhaka, with reports of police firing on crowds. Hospitals report a rising number of gunshot deaths. The unrest has expanded from job quotas to broader demands for the government’s resignation. Rights groups criticize the government's response and lack of competitive elections.
Details:
- Curfew and Military Deployment: Enforced nationwide to control the unrest.
- Casualties: Over 130 dead, nearly 300 police officers injured.
- Prime Minister’s Response: Sheikh Hasina cancels visits to Spain and Brazil.
- Protests: Despite curfew, continued clashes with police in Dhaka.
- Rights Groups’ Criticism: Highlight excessive use of force and lack of fair elections.
- Public Sentiment: Protests evolving into demands for government resignation.
- Communication Blockade: Mobile internet services disabled to curb disinformation.
Background: The protests initially started over civil service job quotas but have since grown into a larger movement against Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government, which has been accused of autocratic rule and electoral manipulation.
TSJ Analysis
The current situation poses a monumental challenge to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's government, which has been in power for 15 years. The government's heavy-handed response has drawn international criticism and highlighted the deepening political crisis in Bangladesh. The lack of competitive elections has fueled public frustration, leading to the escalating unrest.
Key Quotes:
- “Our backs are to the wall,” said protester Nazrul Islam. “There’s anarchy going on in the country… They are shooting at people like birds.”
- “The rising death toll is a shocking indictment of the absolute intolerance shown by the Bangladeshi authorities to protest and dissent,” said Babu Ram Pant of Amnesty International.
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