Nationwide curfew imposed in Bangladesh as violence escalates over job quotas

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s office imposed a nationwide curfew on Friday, with military forces deployed to quell unrest sparked by disputes over government job allocations. Press Secretary Naeemul Islam Khan announced the measures, citing a prison incident in Narsingdi where inmates were reportedly freed during an attack.

The police had banned all public gatherings for the day, a first since the start of protests. Despite an internet shutdown aimed at disrupting rally organization, clashes between police and protesters continued throughout the sprawling city of 20 million people.

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Conflicting Reports on Death Toll in Bangladesh Protests

Various media outlets differ on casualty figures: some cite 39 deaths, others report 67. AFP indicates hospitals tallying 105 fatalities, while Reuters awaits official police confirmation.

Violence and Unrest Grip Bangladesh as Death Toll Rises

The U.S. Embassy in Dhaka reported over 40 fatalities and noted that “hundreds to possibly thousands” were injured nationwide. It cautioned about escalating protests with violent clashes across Dhaka, describing the situation as highly unstable.

Initially sparked by student dissatisfaction over government job quotas, the nationwide unrest has intensified due to high youth unemployment in Bangladesh. Economic challenges such as inflation and declining foreign reserves have further exacerbated the turmoil.

The protests have reignited historical divisions between supporters of Bangladesh’s independence and those accused of collaboration with Pakistan. Prime Minister Hasina’s Awami League has labeled protesters as “razakar,” a term historically associated with wartime collaborators. The European Union has expressed deep concern over the violence and called for a peaceful resolution that respects the rule of law and democratic freedoms.

India has characterized the unrest in Bangladesh as an internal matter of the country and assured the safety of its citizens there. The protests have also sparked violence in London, which hosts a significant Bangladeshi community.

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