A fresh wave of violence surged through Bangladesh, killing at least 98 people, including 14 police officers, and injuring hundreds more.
Protestors demanding PM Hasina’s resignation clash with supporters of ruling party
On Sunday morning, demonstrators seeking Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s resignation clashed with supporters of the ruling party in various districts of Bangladesh.
The ferocity of the conflicts has pushed authorities to take immediate steps, such as suspending mobile internet access and enforcing a statewide curfew for an indeterminate period.
During the protests, fights broke out between police and students, with security forces using tear gas and stun grenades to disperse the rowdy throng.
Also read: Bangladesh in Turmoil: Student Leaders Reject PM’s Talks Amid Violent Protests
Indians “strongly advised” against travelling to Bangladesh
The Central government has “strongly advised” Indian people not to travel to Bangladesh until further notice, while Indian authorities in Bangladesh have asked citizens to “remain alert” because to the unpredictable circumstances
“All Indian nationals presently in Bangladesh are advised to exercise extreme caution, restrict their movements and remain in contact with the High Commission of India in Dhaka through their emergency phone numbers: +8801958383679, +8801958383680 and +8801937400591,” the central governmnet stated.
14 policemen killed in violence
According to Bangladesh police, 14 officers have been killed around the country during the skirmishes. According to news agency PTI, up to 13 people were killed at Sirajganj’s Enayetpur police station and one in Comilla’s Elliotganj. Meanwhile, more than 300 cops have been wounded.
Also read: Bangladesh to ban extremist Islamist party Jamaat-e-Islami after protests
Bangladesh Railways has suspended all services indefinitely due to the escalation of violence. According to Reuters, the country’s garment manufacturers have also been closed indefinitely.
Protesters in Bangladesh have called on the people to join a “Long March to Dhaka” today, according to the news agency PTI.
PM Sheikh Hasina calls the protestors as “terrorists”
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, calling the protestors “terrorists,” urged people to suppress those engaged in “sabotage” around the country in the name of protest.
Volker Turk, the United Nations’ human rights chief, condemned the clashes and declared that Bangladesh’s “shocking violence” must halt.