Bangladesh has announced the imposition of a curfew and the deployment of military forces following several days of deadly unrest that has spread across the country. The violence erupted after students protested for reforms in the quota system for government jobs. The clashes between student demonstrators and police have resulted in at least 105 deaths, presenting a significant challenge for Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government, which has been in power for 15 years.
In response to the escalating violence, the government has implemented a curfew and deployed the military to support civilian authorities. Police in Dhaka have banned all rallies, processions, and public gatherings to prevent further violence. The police chief emphasized that these measures are necessary to ensure public safety. The unrest has led to disruptions in television news broadcasts, telecommunications, and many newspaper websites and social media accounts. Mobile internet has also been temporarily suspended.
Confrontations between police and protesters persist. In a related incident, protesters attacked a jail in Narsingdi, freed the inmates, and set the facility on fire.
The Indian External Affairs Ministry has advised Indian nationals in Bangladesh to follow the advisory issued by the High Commission in Dhaka and stay in touch with the High Commission. Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that around 15,000 Indian nationals, including 8,500 students, reside in Bangladesh. External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar is personally monitoring the situation, and the High Commission will provide regular updates. The Ministry remains committed to offering all possible assistance to Indian nationals there. India views the protests as an internal matter for Bangladesh.
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