Bangladeshi students protest turns violent as they set fire to the state broadcaster’s building just a day after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s appearance on the network. The clashes, which had claimed at least 39 lives, escalated as protesters demanded reforms in civil service hiring rules. The riot police clashed with the demonstrators, leading to the torching of the broadcaster’s headquarters in Dhaka.
Despite the premier’s appeal for calm and condemnation of the violence, the situation worsened. At least 32 people were killed with hundreds more wounded in the clashes. Schools and universities were ordered to shut down indefinitely as the government tried to regain control amidst the chaos.
Critics blame the administration for the unrest, citing autocratic rule and suppression of dissent. The protestors are calling for an end to the quota system that favors certain groups in civil service hiring. Internet blackouts and disruptions added to the chaos as the government cracked down on social media platforms.
The situation remains tense as both protesters and pro-government groups continue to clash on the streets, highlighting a wider discontent with the current leadership.
With Agence France-Presse in Dhaka and Reuters