Violent Protests Erupt Nationwide with Calls for Justice
At least 20 people were injured as violent clashes erupted across Bangladesh on Friday, with police firing rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse massive crowds demanding Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s resignation. The unrest, sparked by grievances over government job quotas, has quickly become the most significant challenge to Hasina’s leadership since her controversial fourth-term win in January.
Nationwide Demonstrations Turn Chaotic
In the capital, Dhaka, scores of youths marched with chants of “we want justice,” waving anti-government banners. Protests rapidly escalated, with buildings, including a district office of the ruling Awami League party, set ablaze. A police booth was torched, and armoured vehicles were vandalized amid the demonstrations.
Police Crack Down on Protesters
In the northeastern town of Habiganj, police resorted to firing rubber bullets and tear gas as crowds attacked them, and stun grenades were used to scatter protesters in the nearby city of Sylhet. Eyewitnesses in Sylhet reported around 20 people injured during the clashes.
“They set fire to the local Awami League office and several other government offices and torched motorcycles,” said Khalilur Rahman, a police official in Habiganj, highlighting the severity of the unrest.
Root of the Unrest
The current wave of protests began last month when student groups demonstrated against government job quotas, including a contentious 30% reservation for families of 1971 war veterans. The demonstrations spiraled into violence, resulting in at least 150 deaths, thousands of injuries, and approximately 10,000 arrests. Although the Supreme Court later scrapped most quotas, sporadic protests have continued, with students now demanding justice for those killed during the initial unrest.
Government Accused of Excessive Force
Critics of Hasina and various human rights organizations have accused the government of using excessive force to suppress the movement. However, Hasina and her ministers have denied these charges.
“People make mistakes. If she (Hasina) would have apologized, everything would be back to normal. If she cannot control it, things will keep heating up,” said Syed Sadman, a student protester in Dhaka.
The Biggest Test for Hasina’s Leadership
This unrest represents the biggest test for Hasina’s leadership since she secured her fourth term in an election marred by allegations of voter suppression and a boycott by the main opposition party, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party.
As Bangladesh grapples with this significant political upheaval, the demand for justice and accountability grows louder, with the nation’s future hanging in the balance.