Protests in Bangladesh: Students Defy Curfew, Call for PM’s Resignation

Protesting students in Bangladesh continue to demand Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s resignation, despite a nationwide curfew and deadly clashes that have claimed nearly 100 lives. What began as protests against a quota system in government jobs has escalated into a movement seeking Hasina’s ouster after her fourth consecutive election win in January. The violence on Sunday, which led to 91 deaths, prompted the government to impose a curfew, suspend railways, and shut down the garment industry.

Despite the curfew, students have called for a march to the capital Dhaka, defying government orders. The army has urged the public to abide by the curfew for their safety. There have been reports of attacks on government buildings and ruling party offices, prompting further closures and suspensions across the country.

The unrest poses a significant challenge to Hasina’s two-decade-long rule, with accusations of excessive force against protesters. The role of the army in handling the crisis is also under scrutiny, as calls for political resolutions grow louder. As the country grapples with the turmoil, the world watches to see how the situation unfolds.

Published: 05 August 2024, 04:07 IST