Nationwide Curfew Imposed as Anti-Quota Protests Escalate in Bangladesh
Desk Report, July 20, 2024: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has declared a nationwide curfew and deployed the military as anti-quota protests continue to escalate in Bangladesh. The decision follows persistent student-led demonstrations demanding the abolition of the job quota system, which reserves many government positions for veterans’ relatives.
Authorities have resorted to drastic measures to quell the protests, which have resulted in over 100 deaths, according to Reuters. In an attempt to curb the unrest, telecommunications services have been disrupted, and a blackout on TV news channels has been imposed. Police and security forces in Dhaka have employed bullets and tear gas to disperse the demonstrators.
The violence has spread beyond the capital, with a group of protesters storming a jail in the Narsingdi district, freeing hundreds of inmates before setting the facility on fire. The escalating tensions have created a volatile situation, prompting severe government intervention.
In response to the escalating crisis, India has swiftly facilitated the evacuation of 204 Indian students and other nationals from Bangladesh via Meghalaya. This move underscores the severity of the situation and the growing concern for the safety of foreign nationals in the country.
Despite widespread calls for reform, Prime Minister Hasina has staunchly defended the job quota system, citing the significant contributions of veterans to Bangladesh’s independence struggle. Her stance has drawn both national and international scrutiny as the country grapples with the intensifying protests.
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