Violence in Bangladesh: 76 Dead as Protests Demand Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s Resignation
Dhaka, Bangladesh – A wave of violence has swept across Bangladesh, resulting in the deaths of 76 people, including 13 police officers. The unrest began as tens of thousands of protesters took to the streets demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Protests Turn Deadly
Police used tear gas and stun grenades to disperse the crowds in various regions, including Dhaka, Bogura, Pabna, Rangpur, Magura, Comilla, Barisal, and Feni. The Enayetpur police station in Sirajganj was also attacked, though the attackers’ identities remain unknown.
Background of the Protests
The protests initially started with students calling for an end to a quota system in government jobs, which reserved 30% of positions for families of veterans from Bangladesh’s war of independence. Despite the Supreme Court reducing the quota to 5%, the protests have continued, now demanding accountability for the violence.
Government Response
Prime Minister Hasina labeled the protesters as criminals and urged the public to deal with them harshly. The government has imposed an indefinite curfew, blocked internet access, and arrested at least 11,000 people. Mobile internet and messaging services have been shut down to prevent further violence.
Public Reaction
Protesters have called for non-cooperation, urging people not to pay taxes or utility bills and to avoid work. Despite the curfew, demonstrators continue to gather, and a ‘March to Dhaka’ protest has been moved up to Monday. The government has announced a holiday from Monday to Wednesday and closed schools and universities indefinitely.
Statements from Officials
Junior Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Mohammad Ali Arafat, stated that the government is acting defensively and has always sought peaceful solutions. However, critics accuse the government of using excessive force to suppress the movement.
Future Outlook
Political analyst Zahed Ur Rahman believes the government is unlikely to resign without further bloodshed. The protests have grown into a wider anti-government movement, marking the biggest challenge to Hasina’s administration since January.
Doubts Revealed
Bangladesh -: Bangladesh is a country in South Asia, located to the east of India. It has a lot of people and its capital city is Dhaka.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina -: Sheikh Hasina is the current Prime Minister of Bangladesh. She is the leader of the political party called the Awami League.
Protests -: Protests are when people gather together to show that they are unhappy about something. In this case, people in Bangladesh are unhappy with the government.
Government job quota system -: A government job quota system is a rule that reserves a certain number of jobs for specific groups of people. In Bangladesh, students were unhappy with how these jobs were being given out.
Curfew -: A curfew is a rule that says people must stay indoors during certain hours, usually at night. The government uses it to try to keep people safe or control a situation.
Blocked internet access -: Blocked internet access means that the government has stopped people from using the internet. This can make it harder for people to communicate and organize protests.
Non-cooperation -: Non-cooperation is when people refuse to follow certain rules or work with the government. It’s a way to protest without using violence.
March to Dhaka -: The ‘March to Dhaka’ is a planned protest where people will walk to the capital city, Dhaka, to show their demands and unhappiness with the government.
