- Bangladesh Prime Minister appears to be resigning <unk> Protesters storm office
One day after violent clashes during protests in Bangladesh, protesters reportedly stormed the official residence of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, according to Reuters news agency. She was reportedly not present at the time, having left the premises earlier, according to sources close to her. On Monday, thousands of people were seen entering the government palace in the capital, Dhaka, in television footage.
The protests, which began in July against a quota system in public service, have now escalated to calls for the resignation of Prime Minister Hasina and her cabinet, who have been in power since 2009.
On Sunday, the violent clashes reached a grim peak with at least 300 deaths, according to a count by news agency AFP based on recent reports from police, doctors in hospitals, and officials. The protests have since escalated further.
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 to the extent of extrajudicial killings of opposition figures.
The protest movement has now gained support from people from all walks of life, including film stars, famous musicians, and former generals, as well as 47 textile companies vital to the country's economy. It remains unclear whether the army will support the protesters or continue to back Hasina.
Bloody clashes in Dhaka
Supporters and opponents of Hasina's Awami League party clashed in numerous cities on Sunday, with the party's office also being attacked. In the northwest of the country, 12 police officers were beaten to death, according to police spokesman Bijoy Bosak.
In the capital, Dhaka, at least 11 people were killed and dozens injured in street battles, police and eyewitnesses said on Sunday. Two construction workers were also killed on their way to work in the city of Munsiganj, with hundreds more injured.
"Those who are now protesting on the streets are not students, they are terrorists trying to destabilize our nation," Hasina said, urging her fellow citizens to react harshly. Protesters had blocked major roads, and police used tear gas, stun grenades, and rubber bullets to disperse them. The internet was shut down across the country.
Government imposes indefinite curfew
These were the worst clashes 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 a curfew, to be in effect indefinitely. Starting Monday, a three-day holiday was also declared for all citizens.
Last month, at least 150 people died in politically motivated violence in Bangladesh. Around 10,000 people were arrested by the police. Students had protested against quota systems in public service recruitment, 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 have accused the government of excessive force in suppressing the protests, which she denies.
The following developments led to the imposition of an indefinite curfew by the government: the escalating protests against Prime Minister Hasina's government and the violent clashes that resulted in numerous deaths and injuries.
In the aftermath of the 'The following' events, there were calls for the government to address the demands of the protesters and ensure justice for those affected by the violence.
