Violent Clashes Erupt in Bangladesh Amid Protests Against Prime Minister

At least 100 lives were lost and numerous individuals were injured amid violent confrontations in Bangladesh on Sunday. The chaos saw police deploying tear gas and stun grenades to disperse the massive crowds demanding Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s resignation.

In an unprecedented move, the interior ministry declared an indefinite nationwide curfew starting at 6 p.m. (1200 GMT) on Sunday, the first such measure in response to the ongoing protests that erupted last month.

This unrest represents the biggest challenge to Hasina’s government since the deadly protests that followed her controversial fourth-term victory in January elections, which were boycotted by the main opposition, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party.

BREAKING NEWS 🗞️ 🗞️ 🚨
They raised slogans demanding justice for those killed in the violence in Bangladesh and the resignation of Prime Minister “Sheikh Hasina”.

At least 27 people were killed and 30 others injured in clashes between protesters and supporters of the ruling… pic.twitter.com/aL9jGomav0

— Newsbox (@Newsbox365IN) August 4, 2024

Critics and human rights groups have accused Hasina’s administration of using excessive force to quash the protests, accusations that the government denies.

Protesters blocked major highways as student activists initiated a non-cooperation movement, demanding the government’s resignation, and violence spread like wildfire across the nation.

“These aren’t students; they are terrorists intent on destabilizing our nation,” Hasina declared following a national security panel meeting. “I urge our citizens to firmly stand against these terrorists.”

New demonstrations in #Bangladesh – at least 27 killed

Once again, they desperately take to the streets. The #students are demanding justice for the families of the slain protesters and for the Prime Minister to resign.#VG pic.twitter.com/R0glo44rP7

— Maqsood Asi (@MaqsoodAsi) August 4, 2024

In Munsiganj, a central district, two construction workers were killed and 30 others injured during a chaotic three-way clash involving protesters, police, and ruling party activists, according to witnesses. “They were brought to the hospital with fatal bullet wounds,” said Abu Hena Mohammad Jamal, superintendent of the district hospital. Police, however, denied firing bullets, attributing the chaos to detonated improvised explosives.

In Pabna, a northeastern district, at least three people were killed and 50 injured in clashes between protesters and supporters of Hasina’s ruling Awami League, witnesses reported. In addition, two more were killed in Bogura, and 20 others lost their lives in violence across nine other districts, according to hospital officials.

“Attacking a hospital is beyond unacceptable,” said Health Minister Samanta Lal Sen as a medical college hospital was vandalized and vehicle set on fire , including an ambulance, in Dhaka. “Everyone must refrain from such actions.”

CNN: At least 27 killed in Bangladesh as protesters, police & pro-government activists clash – activists calling for PM Hasina to resign.

Critics, along with human rights groups, have accused her government of using excessive force to stamp out the movement, a charge she denies. pic.twitter.com/dhisK9yirm

— Tran Dinh Hoanh (@tdhoanh) August 4, 2024

For the second time during these protests, the government shut down high-speed internet services, with mobile operators confirming the disruption. Social media platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp were also inaccessible, even via broadband.

Last month, violence erupted when student-led demonstrations against government job quotas led to at least 150 deaths, thousands of injuries, and around 10,000 arrests. Although the protests paused after the Supreme Court abolished most quotas, students returned to the streets last week, demanding justice for those killed in the previous demonstrations.

Major Points

• At least 27 people killed and many injured in violent clashes across Bangladesh.
• Government imposes indefinite nationwide curfew and shuts down internet services.
• Prime Minister Hasina blames “terrorists” for the unrest, urging citizens to resist.
• Protesters demand Hasina’s resignation, with violence spreading nationwide.
• Hospital attacks and shutdowns of social media highlight escalating tensions.

Conner T – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News