India has urged all its citizens in Bangladesh to exercise “extreme caution”
New Delhi:
Nearly 100 people were killed when thousands of Bangladeshi protesters demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina clashed with supporters of the ruling party yesterday.
Here are 10 updates on the violence in Bangladesh
Dozens were also injured in heavy fighting yesterday, one of the deadliest days since the protests began. With 98 dead yesterday, the toll since protests began in July has risen to around 300.
The riots broke out when protesters taking part in a programme of refusal to cooperate and demanding the government's resignation were met with resistance from government supporters.
Bangladesh's Interior Ministry decided to impose an indefinite nationwide curfew amid heavy fighting and severely restricted mobile internet connections across the country.
A three-day holiday has been declared on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday to ensure public safety amid ongoing violent protests across the country.
Just a few days ago, more than 200 people were killed in violent clashes between police and mainly student protesters demanding an end to the controversial quota system, which reserved 30 percent of government jobs for family members of veterans who fought in the 1971 Bangladesh War of Independence.
India has urged all its nationals in Bangladesh to exercise “extreme caution” and restrict their movements. “All Indian nationals including students residing in the jurisdiction of Assistant High Commission of India, Sylhet are requested to contact this office and are advised to remain alert. In case of emergency, please contact +88-01313076402,” the Assistant High Commission said in a message on X.
United Nations human rights chief Volker Turk said the “shocking violence” in Bangladesh must stop and urged the government to stop attacking peaceful protesters.
Protests that began last month over civil service quotas have grown into the worst unrest in Prime Minister Hasina's 15-year reign, and there are now wider calls for the 76-year-old to step down.
The demonstrations have grown into a broader anti-government movement across Bangladesh. It has attracted people from all walks of life in Bangladesh, including film stars, musicians and singers. Songs calling for people's support have been widely circulated on social media.
The protesters have rejected Ms Hasina's invitation for dialogue to curb the escalating violence and have consolidated their demands into a joint call for the government's resignation.
(With inputs from PTI, AFP)
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