By D. W. G. Kalani Tharanga, JadeTimes News
Nationwide anti government protests in Bangladesh have erupted into severe clashes between police and university students, resulting in at least 150 fatalities. The violence, which has gripped the country, has been vividly recounted by those caught in the turmoil. One student in the capital, Dhaka, shared that a peaceful rally was intended, but police intervention led to chaos and violence. A student leader currently in hospital described being blindfolded and tortured by individuals claiming to be police officers. An overwhelmed emergency department doctor detailed the influx of young patients with gunshot wounds at the height of the clashes. The government has accused political opponents of inciting unrest, following the imposition and subsequent Supreme Court ordered removal of job quotas.
The violence represents a significant challenge to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who secured her fourth consecutive term in a contentious election earlier this year. The nationwide internet blackout and curfew have further complicated the situation, restricting information flow and movement. Limited connectivity was partially restored, prioritizing essential services, though social media platforms remain suspended. The reporters described scenes of chaos, with fires, vandalized vehicles, and makeshift barricades turning the normally secure districts into war zones. Hospitals struggled to cope with the deluge of injured, many suffering from rubber bullet wounds.
Personal Accounts of the Violence
Raya, a student at BRAC University, recounted her experience during the protests. Initially joining the demonstrations on July 17, Raya described how the situation deteriorated the following day when police began using tear gas and rubber bullets. Students found themselves trapped on campus, unable to transport the injured to hospitals. Despite their intentions for a peaceful rally, police actions escalated the violence. By July 19, the intensity peaked with protesters battling police near Rampura, leading to numerous casualties. Reporters witnessed the extensive damage, including fires and barricades, as police called for reinforcements.
The aftermath saw hospitals inundated with injured students. One anonymous doctor described the overwhelming number of patients arriving with gunshot wounds, highlighting the strain on medical facilities. Amidst the chaos, student leader Nahid Islam went missing, later describing how he was abducted, tortured, and released by individuals claiming to be detectives. His account has prompted government promises of investigation, though skepticism remains. The deaths of several individuals, some unrelated to the protests, have further fueled the outcry. Maruf Hossain, a recent graduate, was shot while trying to escape the violence, and construction worker Selim Mandal perished in a fire. The unexplained deaths have left families seeking answers, yet reluctant to pursue formal complaints, highlighting the deep grief and despair inflicted by the unrest. The escalating violence and resulting fatalities have underscored the profound challenges facing Bangladesh, as citizens grapple with political turmoil and the human cost of the clashes.
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