Fresh violent protests in Bangladesh: Over 90 dead, hundreds injured; protesters demand PM Hasina’s resignation

Bangladesh clashes result in over 90 deaths amid protests against Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina

August 5, 2024

Amid fresh wave of violence, Bangladesh Govt imposes nationwide curfew amid protests

Over 90 people were killed and hundreds more injured in violent clashes in Bangladesh on Sunday, as police used tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse a massive protest demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

The death toll, which includes at least 13 policemen, marks the deadliest single day of unrest in recent Bangladeshi history, surpassing the 67 fatalities reported on July 19 during student protests calling for the elimination of government job quotas.

Demonstrators blocked major highways on Sunday as student protesters launched a non-cooperation program to press for the government’s resignation, and violence spread nationwide.

In response to escalating violence and unrest, the Bangladeshi government has declared an indefinite nationwide curfew starting at 6 p.m. local time (1200 GMT) on Sunday. This marks the first time the government has implemented such a measure during the current wave of protests, which began last month.

In addition to the curfew, the government has announced a three-day general holiday starting Monday. The unrest has led to the suspension of internet services across the country, intensifying the crisis.

The ongoing protests, demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, represent the most significant challenge to her 20-year administration.

After a national security panel meeting, PM Hasina said, “Those who are carrying out violence are not students but terrorists who are out to destabilize the nation. I appeal to our countrymen to suppress these terrorists with a strong hand.”

The chiefs of the army, navy, air force, police, and other agencies attended the national security panel meeting.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has advised all its citizens to avoid travelling to Bangladesh amid the ongoing violent protest in the country till further notice.

India on Sunday night advised all its nationals currently residing in Bangladesh to exercise “extreme caution” and restrict their movements in the wake of fresh waves of violence in the neighbouring country.

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