The death toll in the student-led civil disobedience movement against Sheikh Hasina Wajid’s government in Bangladesh is rising.
According to a foreign news agency, 77 people, including 14 police officers, have been killed so far, and many others are injured in the civil disobedience movement that began today.
Local media reports indicate that clashes have occurred between Awami League workers and protesters in several places. Protesters have set fire to ruling party offices and vehicles.
Bangladeshi media also reports hearing explosions and gunfire in various locations.
In response to the protests, the government has shut down mobile internet services and Facebook in the country.
They have also declared holidays from Monday to Wednesday and imposed an indefinite curfew starting at 6 PM today.
According to the foreign news agency, students have called for a march to Dhaka on Monday.
The foreign news agency reports that since the student protests against the quota system began last month, approximately 261 people have been killed.
Unlike previous protests, some of today’s demonstrations saw no intervention from the police or military to disperse the protesters.
Former Chief of Army Staff Iqbal Karim, representing former military officers, demanded that Sheikh Hasina Wajid’s government recall the army and allow students to protest.
On the other hand, speaking to military personnel yesterday, Bangladesh’s Chief of Army Staff General Waqar Zaman stated that the army has always stood with the people and will continue to do so.
He instructed the army to ensure the protection of people’s lives and property and important government installations at all costs.
In a statement, Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wajid said that those protesting on the streets are not students but terrorists aiming to destabilize the country.
Sheikh Hasina Wajid urged her fellow citizens to crush these terrorists with determination.