Bangladeshi protesters have flocked to a central square in Dhaka, demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina after a violent police crackdown. Civil disobedience leader Asif Mahmud urged supporters to be prepared for a fight, calling for the liberation of Bangladesh.
Former military officers and army chief Waker-uz-Zaman have shown support for the protests, with the army stating its commitment to the people. The demonstrations initially sparked over a controversial quota scheme for government jobs, which has since been reduced by the top court.
The protests escalated into widespread unrest, resulting in over 200 deaths. Despite initial army intervention, the demonstrations have persisted, aiming to paralyze the government through noncooperation.
The main protest group, Students Against Discrimination, has urged a halt to tax payments and utility bills, alongside strikes in key sectors. Hasina’s government, accused of suppressing dissent and opposition, faces mounting pressure from the growing antigovernment movement.