At least 300 killed in Bangladesh anti-government protests

Protests against Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina have left at least 300 people dead. Official data from police, government and hospitals obtained by AFP on Monday showed this. 94 people were killed on Sunday alone. A large number of security forces patrolled the capital Dhaka on Monday in view of new protests against the announcement of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Numerous soldiers and police checked key streets in Dhaka on Monday. In addition, the access road to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s headquarters was blocked and barricaded with barbed wire, according to AFP reporters. The massive security deployment was aimed at monitoring compliance with the curfew imposed on Sunday night.

Observers feared Monday’s violence could surpass Sunday’s riots, the bloodiest since protests began last month. The internet was largely shut down in the morning, and offices vital to the country’s economy and more than 3,500 textile factories remained closed, according to operators.

Security forces opened fire on the crowd

“I am deeply concerned that there will be more deaths and greater destruction as (…) a massive march to Dhaka is planned and the youth wing of the ruling party has called for action against the demonstrators,” said UN Human Rights Commissioner Volker Türk. “The shocking violence in Bangladesh must stop.” At the same time, he “strongly calls on the political leadership and security forces to uphold their obligations to protect life and the freedoms of peaceful assembly and expression.”

On Sunday, hundreds of thousands of government opponents and supporters took to the streets across the country, attacking each other with knives, sticks and clubs. Security forces also opened fire on the crowds. According to data obtained by AFP, at least 94 people were killed. This is the highest number of victims since the anti-government protests began in July. According to official information, among the victims were 14 policemen, whose police station in Enayatpur in the northeast of the country was attacked.

Protesters demand Hasina’s resignation

The protesters, who initially took to the streets against a quota system for allocating public sector jobs that they say favours Hasina’s supporters, are now demanding the resignation of the head of government, in office since 2009, and his cabinet.

Now people from all walks of life have joined the protest movement, including movie stars, famous musicians and former generals who have expressed support. 47 companies in the textile industry, which is vital to the national economy, have also expressed solidarity with the demonstrators. It is not clear whether the army will support the protesters or whether it will continue to support Hasina.

The 76-year-old head of government was confirmed in January in an election boycotted by much of the opposition. Your government has been accused of abusing state institutions to maintain its power and suppress its critics, including through extrajudicial killings of opposition figures.

AFP/Pash

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