PressSplit
Tensions in Bangladesh are rising again. © Rajib Dhar/AP/dpa
Protests against the government in Bangladesh have flared up again. There are reports of many deaths. The internet is said to have been partially cut off again. The situation could get worse.
Dhaka – According to local media, almost 100 people have died in violent clashes between demonstrators and security forces in Bangladesh. The English-language newspaper “Daily Star” reported 90 deaths, while the newspaper “Prothom Alo” reported 99 deaths in the anti-government protests in the capital Dhaka and other parts of the South Asian country. 14 police officers were among the victims. Numerous people were injured. There were no official statements from the authorities at first.
The Interior Ministry tightened the recently relaxed curfew. According to observers, access to the Internet has been partially cut off, affecting social networks and messenger services such as Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp.
Why are people taking to the streets?
The demonstrators are now demanding the resignation of the autocratic Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The protests began in July. They were initially directed against the reintroduction of a controversial quota system in the public service, which has since been reversed. According to official figures, around 150 people were killed in July.
In the capital Dhaka, numerous people once again took to the streets. © Rajib Dhar/AP/dpa
On Saturday, demonstrating students also called for civil disobedience. They rejected an offer of dialogue from the government. According to observers, many shops remained closed. Further actions were announced for Monday.
Under Hasina’s leadership, poor, predominantly Muslim Bangladesh experienced an economic boom. Recently, however, high inflation has caused problems for the people. In the country with more than 170 million inhabitants, unemployment is high.
Military personnel stand in front of a large portrait of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. She is considered an autocratic prime minister. © Rajib Dhar/AP/dpa
