At least 52 people, including 13 police officers, have been killed and dozens injured in renewed violence in Bangladesh. Police used tear gas and stun grenades to disperse tens of thousands of protesters demanding Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s resignation.
The deaths were reported on Sunday in Dhaka and the northern districts of Bogura, Pabna, and Rangpur, as well as in Magura in the west, Comilla in the east, and Barisal and Feni in the south.
An attack on the police occurred at the Enayetpur police station in Sirajganj, according to Additional Deputy Inspector General Vijay Basak. The attackers’ identities remain unknown.
The protests began in July with students demanding the end of a quota system for government jobs, escalating into violence that has killed 200 people. Hasina called the protesters “criminals” and urged the public to confront them.
Authorities have blocked internet access, imposed a shoot-on-sight curfew, and arrested at least 11,000 people in recent weeks.
Al Jazeera’s Tanvir Chowdhury described the situation as “volatile and dangerous,” with protesters refusing to leave until the government steps down.
Student activist Prapti Taposhi reported ongoing clashes with police, emphasizing that the protest has grown beyond the original student-led movement.
An indefinite curfew began at 6 pm local time, but protesters continue to gather in central Dhaka. They have called for “noncooperation,” urging people not to pay taxes or go to work. Despite this, offices, banks, and factories remain open, though commuters face difficulties.
The “March to Dhaka” protest has been moved from Tuesday to Monday, with the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement urging nationwide participation.
The government announced a holiday from Monday to Wednesday, with schools and universities closed indefinitely. Mobile internet and messaging apps are inaccessible to prevent further violence.
The protests initially sought to end a quota system reserving 30% of government jobs for families of war veterans. The Supreme Court reduced this to 5%, but protests continue, demanding accountability for government violence.
This unrest is the government’s biggest challenge since January, following the Awami League‘s controversial election win. Critics and rights groups accuse the government of excessive force, which it denies. Protesters demand the government’s resignation.