In response to ongoing protests in Bangladesh, the government has imposed a nationwide curfew and deployed the army to assist police in maintaining order.
This comes after several days of demonstrations against the quota system in government jobs, which have resulted in 105 deaths and numerous injuries.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has canceled her planned foreign trips due to the escalating situation. The Prime Minister’s Press Secretary, Naeemul Islam Khan, confirmed the government’s decision to enforce the curfew and call in the army for support.
On Saturday morning, Dhaka’s streets were eerily empty, with military personnel patrolling to ensure compliance with the curfew.
Police were seen turning back rickshaw drivers who violated the restrictions, instructing them to stay home. The curfew is set to remain in effect until 10 a.m. next Sunday.
The protests, primarily led by students, began earlier this month and have grown in intensity. The demonstrators are opposing a quota system that reserves over half of civil service positions for specific groups, including the children of those who fought in the 1971 war against Pakistan.
Critics argue that this system disproportionately benefits pro-government groups aligned with Prime Minister Hasina.
Violent clashes have erupted between the Awami League’s student wing and anti-quota protesters, resulting in over 400 injuries on Monday alone.
The situation has drawn international attention, with Amnesty International and the US State Department condemning the violence and urging the government to avoid cracking down on peaceful demonstrations.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has also called on the Bangladeshi government to ensure the safety and protection of protesters from threats and violence.
