Nearly 100 people killed in fierce clashes in Bangladesh, curfew imposed: 10 facts

1. Dozens were also injured in fierce clashes yesterday – making it one of the deadliest days since the protests began. With 98 deaths yesterday, the number has risen to nearly 300 since the protests began in July.
2. The clashes began when protesters taking part in a non-cooperation programme demanding the resignation of the government faced opposition from government supporters.
3. Bangladesh Home Ministry decided to impose an indefinite nationwide curfew amid fierce clashes and strict restrictions were imposed on mobile internet across the country.
4. A three-day general holiday has been declared on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday to ensure public safety amid ongoing violent protests across the country.
5. Just days earlier, more than 200 people were killed in violent clashes between police and mostly student protesters demanding the abolition of the controversial quota system that reserved 30 per cent of government jobs for relatives of veterans who fought in Bangladesh’s 1971 independence war.
6. India has advised all its citizens in Bangladesh to exercise “extreme caution” and restrict their movement. “All Indian nationals, including students, residing within the jurisdiction of the Indian Assistant High Commission in Sylhet are requested to remain in touch with this office and remain vigilant. In case of emergency, please contact +88-01313076402,” the Assistant High Commission said in a post on X.
7. UN human rights chief Volker Turk said the “shocking violence” in Bangladesh must end, urging the government to stop targeting peaceful protesters.
8. The rallies that began last month against reservation in civil service jobs turned into the worst protests of Prime Minister Hasina’s 15-year rule and led to widespread calls for the 76-year-old premier to step down.
9. These protests have become a widespread anti-government movement across Bangladesh. People from all sections of Bangladeshi society have joined it, including film stars, musicians and singers. Songs appealing for support from the people have spread widely on social media.
10. The protesters have rejected Ms Hasina’s invitation for talks aimed at stopping the escalating violence and have unified their demands to demand the resignation of the government.

(With inputs from PTI, AFP)