KATHMANDU: Severe turmoil erupted in Bangladesh on Sunday, with hundreds of demonstrators injured and at least 91 killed in clashes with police. With this increase in violence, the bloodiest protest day in Bangladeshi history has surpassed all prior records. Protests calling for the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina stoked the violence. In response, the government significantly increased its efforts to quell the disturbance by announcing a three-day general holiday and enforcing an indefinite statewide curfew beginning at 6 p.m.
The demonstrations, which began last month, have posed the most serious threat to Hasina's 20-year tenure. Tensions have heightened since the main opposition party did not participate in the elections. Hasina's administration has been under scrutiny for allegedly deploying excessive force, a charge it denies. To prevent demonstrators from plotting and exchanging information, the government has barred internet access, including 4G high-speed internet. The disturbance has resulted in widespread violence, including attacks on police stations and governing party facilities.
Numerous incidents occurred nationwide during the violent clashes on Sunday. Two construction workers lost their lives and thirty others were hurt in a clash between demonstrators, police, and activists from the ruling party in Munsiganj, the city's core area. Similarly, a conflict between protestors and activists of the ruling party in the northeastern region of Pabna resulted in three fatalities and fifty injuries. Intense riots in Dhaka resulted in the deaths of at least 11 individuals, including two students and the leader of the ruling party.
Major property damage has also been caused by the protesters. An ambulance was among the vehicles that were set on fire as part of vandalism at a medical college facility in Dhaka. In addition, there were reports of other attacks on ruling party offices and police stations in several areas of Ashulia, as well as the destruction of four textile factories. As part of its crackdown, the authorities took down social media sites like Facebook and WhatsApp to prevent demonstrators from communicating with one another.
Due to the disturbance, India's foreign ministry has advised its citizens not to travel to Bangladesh. This has attracted attention from around the world. Concerns have been expressed regarding the country's future stability due to the violence that is still occurring and the government's harsh response. General Waker-Uz-Zaman, Chief of Army Staff, has underlined the army's responsibility for defending civilians and state installations. On Monday, he will brief the media on the latest developments.
