At least 25 people have been killed in Bangladesh as clashes between police and anti-government protesters demanding Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s resignation intensify.
The latest wave of unrest follows a declaration by student leaders to initiate a campaign of civil disobedience against the government.
Police have deployed tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse demonstrators in various regions, resulting in approximately 200 injuries.
In Dhaka, internet access on mobile devices has been suspended.
The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) confirmed the halt of 4G internet services, though broadband remains operational.
“Without 4G and 3G, people cannot communicate using the internet on their mobile devices,” a BTRC official told BBC Bengali, without specifying when services would resume.
Violence has been reported across the country, including the northern districts of Bogra, Pabna, and Rangpur.
A nationwide curfew, starting at 18:00 local time (12:00 GMT) on Sunday, has been imposed indefinitely.
Thousands have gathered in Dhaka’s main square, with clashes reported in other parts of the city.
Supporters of the ruling Awami League have also been involved in these confrontations.
“The whole city has turned into a battleground,” an anonymous policeman told AFP, describing scenes where protesters set fire to cars and motorcycles outside a hospital.
The Students Against Discrimination group, leading the demonstrations, has called for a shutdown of all factories and public transport, urging citizens to withhold taxes and utility payments.
The protest, initially sparked by demands to abolish quotas in civil service jobs, has morphed into a broader anti-government movement.
In July, over 200 people were killed, many shot by police, and around 10,000 have been detained in recent crackdowns.
Despite Prime Minister Hasina’s offer for unconditional dialogue, protesters continue to demand her resignation. Student leader Nahid Islam declared, “Sheikh Hasina should not only resign, there should be a trial for the killings, looting, and corruption.”
As the Awami League holds counter-marches, the coming days are critical for both sides.
The government’s response to the protests has further fueled public anger, with many calling for justice and accountability.
The military has been deployed to restore order, with the army chief reaffirming their commitment to support the state and its people.
