After student protests: Bangladesh imposes curfew

Violent clashes continue during ongoing protests in Bangladesh. The government has now declared a nationwide curfew and deployed the army. There was still protest.

The Bangladesh government has imposed a nationwide curfew after deadly clashes between student protesters and police. In addition, the army will support civilian authorities in maintaining order, said Obaidul Quader, secretary general of the ruling Awami League party.

Several people are said to have been killed in the protests. The daily Prothom Alo reported that at least 27 people were killed on Thursday alone. The number has not been officially confirmed.

According to its own count, AFP reported more than 100 deaths this week. No further deaths or injuries were initially reported on Friday.

More clashes between students and police

In the capital, Dhaka, police imposed a day-long ban on all political gatherings to contain the unrest. Police chief Habibur Rahman said this was necessary to ensure “public safety.” The internet was also blocked.

However, further clashes broke out between students and security forces in the city of about 20 million people. “Our protest will continue,” said Sarwar Tushar, who was slightly injured when police violently dispersed the demonstration.

“We demand the immediate resignation of Sheikh Hasina, the government is responsible for the killings,” he said, referring to the prime minister who has ruled the country in an authoritarian manner for 15 years.

Protests against quota regulations

The demonstrations, which have been ongoing since early July, are aimed at opposing the possible reintroduction of the old quota system. The law stipulates that more than half of public sector jobs are reserved for certain groups, such as descendants of soldiers who fought for the country's independence in 1971, women and people from poor areas.

Thousands of young people are demanding a more performance-oriented system. Unemployment is high in the country of more than 170 million people. The government said on Thursday it was ready to reform the system and hold talks.