The clashes between the police, Awami League supporters and protestors, demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, have left at least 100 people dead in Bangladesh since Sunday (4th August).
Among the deceased are 14 police officials. The ongoing violence in the country has forced the Interior Ministry to declare a nationwide curfew and control the law and order. The government has also declared a holiday between 5th and 7th August to pacify the situation.
It must be mentioned that the protests began as part of anti-quota agitation in June but have now metamorphosed into an anti-government demonstration. The renewed agitation seeks justice for the 200 people who were killed during the initial phase of the protests.
Anti-govt protests to continue on Monday
However, there seems to be no cessation of violence in sight when one of the protest organisers Asif Mahmud, heading the ‘Student Movements Against Discrimination’ appealed to protestors to march in Dhaka on Monday (5th August).
“I call upon the students and people of the whole country to leave for Dhaka tomorrow,” he emphasised.
Govt intervention and demands by ex-Army general
Amid demands for the ouster of Sheikh Hasina, the Bangladeshi Prime Minister had called for an intense crackdown on the demonstrators.
“I appeal to the countrymen to suppress these terrorists with a firm hand,” she declared. Anisul Haq, the country’s law minister, emphasised that the law enforcement authorities had shown restraint and credited them for avoiding a bloodbath.
The government has shut down Facebook, WhatsApp and Instagram in the country. Mobile data operators were also directed to cut off 4G internet.
On Sunday, ex-military generals of Bangladesh urged Sheikh Hasina to withdraw armed forces from the streets and send them to barracks.
Former army chief Iqbal Karim Bhuiyan remarked, “We urge the government to undertake political initiatives to resolve the ongoing crisis. Do not destroy the good standing of our armed forces by keeping them engaged in a disgraceful campaign.”
He further added, “The Bangladeshi armed forces have never faced off with the masses or trained their guns at the chests of their fellow citizens.”
Travel advisory by Indian MEA
On Sunday (4th August) night, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued an urgent travel advisory for Indian nationals planning to travel to Bangladesh.
It urged Indians residing in the neighbouring country to exercise urgent caution.
“All Indian nationals presently in Bangladesh are advised to exercise extreme caution, restrict their movements and remain in contact with the High Commission of India in Dhaka,” it emphasised.
