- Two dead in new demonstrations in Bangladesh
In Bangladesh, there have been more protests: At least two people have died in clashes between protesters and police. Dozens were injured, according to the local newspaper "Prothom Alo". Among the dead was a policeman who was beaten to death by protesters, a police representative reported. A protester also died from gunshot wounds, a doctor reported.
The police, according to their own statements, mostly used rubber bullets and tear gas. Thousands in the capital Dhaka and other districts demanded the resignation of the autocratically ruling Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. They also criticized police violence during the July protests, which were against the reintroduction of a controversial quota system in the public service. According to official figures, around 150 people died in the July protests.
Under long-serving Prime Minister Hasina, who has been in power since 2009, Bangladesh experienced economic growth. However, high inflation has recently been a burden on the people. The country with over 170 million inhabitants has high unemployment. Human rights organizations accuse Hasina of targeting her opponents and critics, and of having thousands arrested. Freedom of speech and the press have also suffered under her rule.
The demonstration on Sunday saw thousands demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, echoing their criticisms of police violence during the July protests. The demonstration following the July protests resulted in the death of another protester, as reported by a local doctor.
