DHAKA – Bangladeshi government has enforced nationwide curfew after deadly clashes in Dhaka that resulted in over 100 deaths.
The mass protests were started by students who demanded to end quota jobs for the families of army veterans. As the situation worsened, Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina declared curfew after an attack on Narsingdi prison.
Authorities said armed forces will restore order. Number of casualties is different, with some media houses claiming over 100 deaths, along with communications blackout, with mobile internet and telephone lines reportedly down across the country of over 170 million.
Public transportation services, including buses and trains, have been halted, and police and anti riot forces taking control of roads. Schools and universities across Bangladesh have been closed until further notice.
Those who are protesting against quota system calls it discriminatory and favoring families of pro-government groups supporting Hasina, who secured her fourth consecutive election win.
Along with students, Bangladesh opposition party also called for protests, with exiled acting chairman Tarique Rahman urging support for the students. The party reported the arrest of one of its senior leaders.
As these violent events gained traction, unrest spread beyond Dhaka, with 26 districts reporting similar incidents.
TV, Internet access restricted in Bangladesh as students set state broadcaster ablaze
