Death Toll in Bangladesh Anti-Government Protests Rises to 24 As Tensions Escalate

Bangladesh anti-government protests have entered a critical phase since it was reported today that the death toll due to the havoc caused has surged to 24. The situation is devastating in Bangladesh, as thousands of  Bangladeshi student protestors are demanding an immediate resignation from the Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina. Sticks, knives, and guns are being used in the protests, and this is causing the death toll to rise continuously. As per the videos circulating on social media, it can be seen that the protestors danced on the roof of an armored vehicle and raised a Bangladeshi flag on top of it as well.

On Sunday, thousands of Bangladeshi protestors entered violently in Dhaka’s central Shahbagh Square, demonstrating the immediate resignation of the PM. However, following the horrendous situation, police have imposed a curfew in Bangladesh from 6:00 (1200 GMT), including the complete blockage of mobile internet throughout the country. According to the reports provided by Police Inspector Al-Helal to the media regarding Bangladesh anti-government protests in the country, “There were clashes between students and the ruling party men. Two young men were killed in Dhaka’s Munshiganj district. One of the dead was hacked in the head, and another had gunshot injuries.”

Police officials have stated that the whole city has been “turned into a battleground,” indicating that the situation is going out of control. It is pertinent to note that certain former army officials have also shown support to students who are against civil service job quotas. In a similar case, an ex-army chief, General Ikbal Karim Bhuiyan, stated, “We are deeply concerned, troubled, and saddened by all the egregious killings, torture, disappearances, and mass arrests that have been tormenting Bangladesh over the past three weeks.”

“We call on the incumbent government to withdraw the armed forces from the street immediately. People no longer fear sacrificing their lives. Those who are responsible for pushing the people of this country to a state of such extreme misery will have to be brought to  justice,” Bhuiyan stated.