B'desh in crisis: At least 98 dead as anti-govt protests turn violent

Nationwide curiew Imposed mobile internet services suspended

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At least 98 people, including 14 policemen, were killed and hundreds injured on Sunday in violent clashes between protesters demanding Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's resignation and ruling party supporters. The unrest, which engulfed different parts of Bangladesh, prompted authorities to cut off mobile internet and enforce a nationwide curfew for an indefinite period.

The unrest, which began as a student-led movement against a controversial job quota system, has rapidly escalated into a broader anti-government protest.

Meanwhile, India has asked its citizens living in Bangladesh to be in touch and remain alert. "All Indian nationals including students living in the jurisdiction of the Assistant High Commission of India, Sylhet are requested to be in touch with this office and are advised to remain alert. In case of emergencies, please contact -88-01313076402," the Assistant High Commission said in a post on X.

The clashes broke out early Sunday morning when protesters, under the banner of the Students Against Discrimination, attended a non-cooperation program.

Their primary demand was the government's resignation over a controversial job quota system. This system reserves 30 per cent of government jobs for relatives of veterans who fought in Bangladesh's War of Independence in 1971. The protesters faced fierce opposition from supporters of the Awami League, Chhatra League, and Jubo League activists.

According to Bengali-language daily Prothom Alo, at least 98 people were killed in clashes, shootings, and counterchases across the country. The violence led to the deaths of 14 policemen, with 13 killed in Sirajganj's Enayetpur police station and one in Comilla's Elliotganj.

Over 300 policemen were reported injured.