Bangladesh: At least 77 dead in one day of anti-government protests
In the capital, Dhaka, at least 12 people were killed, many by gunshot wounds, according to security forces and hospital doctors. AFP journalists reported persistent gunfire in the metropolis on Sunday evening (local time) after sunset. Protesters defied a curfew imposed by authorities, with mobile internet services severely restricted.
In an attack on a police station in the town of Enayetpur in the northeast of the country, 11 security personnel were killed, according to a police officer. At least another 18 people were killed in the district of Sirajganj in the north of the country.
After the clashes on Sunday, the total number of people killed in the protests rose to at least 283. The protests in the 170-million-strong South Asian country began in July, initially over the rejection of a quota system for public service. They have since expanded to target Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her cabinet, who have been in power since 2009.
The protest movement has gained support from all walks of life, including film stars, renowned musicians, and former generals. Even 47 companies in the textile industry, crucial to the country's economy, have shown solidarity with the protesters. It remains to be seen whether the army will support the protesters or continue to back Hasina.
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.
Despite the curfew and restricted mobile internet services, protesters continued their demonstrations into the night, making Day 103 of the protests in Dhaka. The international community is closely watching these developments, with calls for dialogue and an end to the violence.
