72 dead in Bangladesh as Government Job Quota Protests reignite

The death toll in Bangladesh has risen to over 72, including 14 policemen, following clashes between police and student protesters against the Hasina government's job quota system. The violence broke out in several areas, including Dhaka, Bogra, Pabna, Rangpur, Magura, Comilla, Barisal, and Feni districts. An indefinite curfew was imposed nationwide on Sunday evening.

Protests and clashes

On Sunday morning, protesters demanding the government's resignation clashed with supporters of the Awami League, Chhatra League, and Jubo League. These clashes came a few days after 200 people were killed in previous protests over the controversial quota system, which reserves 30% of government jobs for relatives of war veterans from the 1971 Bangladesh War of Independence.

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Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina labeled the protesters as "terrorists" and called on citizens to suppress them firmly. The indefinite curfew was enforced from 6:00 pm Sunday, following a meeting between Hasina and top security officers from various branches, including the Army, Navy, Air Force, police, RAB, and BGB.

Government's response

Hundreds of students and professionals gathered in Dhaka’s Shahbagh under the Anti-Discrimination Students Movement, chanting slogans and calling for Hasina's resignation. On Saturday, the Prime Minister offered to meet with the movement's coordinators, but this offer was rejected. The student protesters consolidated their demands, calling for the government's resignation, rejecting any attempts to quell the escalating violence.

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