By D. Maan, Jadetimes News
Deadly Clashes Erupt in Bangladesh as Anti Government Protests Intensify
Crisis Overview
The situation in Bangladesh is fast turning political, as clashes between the police and anti government protesters turned deadly. At least 23 people have been killed amid the violence, with more than 200 others being injured. Protests, first fanned by demands for a cut in the quota of civil service job positions, spiraled into calls for Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to resign.
Rising Tensions and Clashes
The latest surge in tensions started with a campaign of civil disobedience by student leaders. Thereafter, police resorted to tear gas and rubber bullets to scatter crowds in different parts of the country. The capital of Dhaka has also seen heavy protests, where several protesters are in clashes with security forces and members of the ruling Awami League. Vehicles were torched, and violent incidents have been reported around the city.
Internet Restrictions and Curfew
The government of Bangladesh has ordered the suspension of 4G internet access in Dhaka to rein in the violence. While the broadband services are available, because the mobile internet is absent, a large population remains unable to communicate properly. The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission did not say when services might be restored.
Also, a curfew has been put in place from 6:00 PM local time on Sunday; there is no indication that it will be lifted any time soon. It is part of an effort to contain the violence that has erupted in major urban centers.
Student Movement and Governmental Response
At the forefront of the protests was the student led group Students Against Discrimination, demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Their initial grievance related to a quota system for civil service jobs they said unfairly favored relatives of veterans from the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War. The government has reduced the quotas as ordered by the Supreme Court, but the protest has widened into a general anti government movement.
The group has called for countrywide agitation of civil disobedience, asking people to boycott tax payments and utility bills and to shut down factories and public transport. The government, however, has refused to resign despite these calls, with Hasina offering unconditional dialogue that has been turned down by the protesters.
Government Crackdown and Controversies
The authorities have launched a severe crackdown amidst mounting unrest. Around 10,000 people have been arrested over the past two weeks, among them supporters of the opposition and students. The ruling party has also organized counter marches in a bid to rally support for the government.
The situation remains tense amid efforts by authorities to contain the wide anger. Security forces have been accused of excessive use of force, with many of those deaths and injuries blamed on police gunfire. The government, however, insisted that force was used as a matter of self defense and to protect state properties.
International and Military Involvement
The international community watches with keen interest as this drama unfolds. General Waker Uz Zaman headed military has been in the limelight in the effort to put order back in line. The chief of the army assured of commitment from the military forces toward the sustenance of people and state stability.
Public Outrage, Protests Continue
The protests have shown no signs of abating, and protesters continue to gather and air their grievances. The violence from last month's protests, killing over 200 people and scores injured, is yet a major concern. The government maintains that its action was rightful with the view of maintaining public safety.
The Bangladesh situation has reached a hair raising moment for both the government and the protesters. If the struggle between political reforms, job quotas, and leadership does not come to an end, it is going to add more to the critical humanitarian crisis in terms of violence and loss of life. In the next few days, a decision will be made for the possibility of a peaceful resolution or further escalation of the unrest.
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