Anti-government protesters in Bangladesh are planning to march to the capital, Dhaka, following a weekend of violence that resulted in dozens of fatalities. The military has imposed an indefinite curfew, and mobile internet services have been cut off in an effort to quell the unrest.
According to reports, at least 95 individuals, including 14 police officers, lost their lives in clashes in Dhaka on Sunday. The violence, which began with students protesting against a government job quota system, escalated into widespread clashes with authorities and pro-government groups, resulting in over 200 deaths.
The military-imposed curfew now covers Dhaka and other key locations, with the government declaring a holiday from Monday to Wednesday. Courts have been closed indefinitely, and mobile internet access, along with popular messaging apps, has been restricted.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has labeled the protesters engaging in violence as criminals and called for a firm response from the public. Her ruling party has accused the main opposition parties of hijacking the protests.
Over 11,000 individuals have been arrested in connection with the unrest, leading to the closure of schools and universities. The protests initially demanded a reduction in the job quota for veterans, which was later reduced by the Supreme Court to 5%.
Despite the government's acceptance of the quota reduction, protesters continue to demand accountability for the violence and criticize the use of force by authorities. Opposition leaders have called for the government to step down to restore order.
Prime Minister Hasina has expressed willingness to engage in dialogue with student leaders and investigate the violence. The ongoing protests pose a significant challenge to her administration, which has been in power for over 15 years.
