- 300 dead in anti-government demonstrations in Bangladesh
One day after violent clashes during protests against Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in Bangladesh left 94 dead, the total death toll has risen to at least 300, according to a Monday tally by news agency AFP based on recent reports from police, doctors in hospitals, and officials. Protests are set to resume on Monday.
On Sunday, at least 94 people were killed in a single day – the highest number of casualties since the start of the protests. In the capital Dhaka, numerous soldiers and police patrolled major streets on Monday and blocked routes to Prime Minister Hasina's residence.
The protests, which began in July against a quota system, saw hundreds of thousands of people take to the streets on Sunday. They now demand the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her cabinet, who have been in power since 2009.
The 76-year-old prime minister was re-elected in January in a vote boycotted by a large part of the opposition. Her government is accused of abusing state institutions to maintain power and suppressing government critics, even resorting to extrajudicial killings of opposition figures.
The protest movement has now been joined by people from all walks of life, including film stars, musicians, and former generals who have expressed their support. Additionally, 47 textile companies, crucial to the country's economy, have shown solidarity with the protesters. It remains unclear whether the army will support the protesters or continue to back Hasina.
Bloody clashes erupted in numerous cities between supporters and opponents of Hasina's Awami League party. The party's office was also attacked. In the northwest of the country, 12 police officers were beaten to death, according to police spokesman Bijoy Bosak.
In Dhaka, at least 11 people were killed and dozens injured in street battles on Sunday, according to police and eyewitnesses. Two construction workers were killed on their way to work in the city of Munsiganj, with hundreds more injured.
"Those who are now on the streets protesting are not students, they are terrorists trying to destabilize our nation," Hasina said. She called on her fellow citizens to act firmly. Protesters had blocked major traffic routes, and police used tear gas, stun grenades, and rubber bullets to disperse them. Internet services were suspended across the country.
This was the worst violence in the South Asian country since Hasina's election victory in January, which was boycotted by the largest opposition party.
On Sunday, the government imposed an indefinite curfew. Starting Monday, all citizens will also have a three-day holiday.
Last month, at least 150 people died in politically motivated violence in Bangladesh. Around 10,000 people were arrested by the police. Students were protesting against quota regulations for public service jobs, which were later largely struck down by a court. However, students now demand justice for the families of those killed during the protests. Critics of Hasina accuse the government of excessive force in suppressing the protests, which she denies.
The following reported death toll of at least 300 is an increase from the 94 deaths in a single day during the protests. According to recent sources, the protests against Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina are set to resume, seeking her resignation and that of her cabinet.
