14 policemen among 73 dead as violent clashes erupt in Bangladesh

New Delhi, Aug 4: At least 73 people, including 14 police persons, were killed and dozens injured as fierce clashes broke out in various areas of Dhaka and other parts of Bangladesh on the first day of the anti-government protests led by the Anti-Discrimination Students Movement, reports the Daily Star, Bangladesh's leading newspaper.

The violence was especially severe in Sirajganj, where 13 police personnel from Enayetpur Police Station were killed when criminals attacked the station. Additionally, one member of the Eliotganj Highway Police in Cumilla was killed, as confirmed by Police Headquarters in a press release.

The clashes erupted between police forces and anti-government protesters demanding Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's resignation. In response, an indefinite curfew has been imposed starting at 6:00 PM on Sunday across Dhaka, other divisional cities, district towns, and all city corporations.

The situation intensified as student leaders initiated a campaign of civil disobedience against the government. Police used tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse demonstrators in several parts of the country, resulting in numerous injuries.

In Dhaka, mobile internet access has been suspended, with an official from the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) confirming that 4G service has been halted in the city, though broadband services remain operational.

Thousands of people gathered in Dhaka's main square, with violent incidents reported in various parts of the city. Supporters of the governing Awami League clashed with anti-government protesters, with reports indicating that a large crowd of protesters set fire to vehicles outside a hospital.

The Students Against Discrimination group, which is spearheading the demonstrations, had announced a nationwide disobedience movement starting Sunday.

What began as a demand to abolish quotas in civil service jobs has evolved into a broader anti-government movement. Last month alone saw over 200 deaths, many at the hands of police, with around 10,000 people detained in a security crackdown, including opposition supporters and students.

The ruling Awami League is also staging marches across the country.

Student leader Nahid Islam addressed thousands in Dhaka, demanding Prime Minister Hasina’s resignation and accountability for killings, looting, and corruption. This protest wave poses a significant challenge to Hasina, who was re-elected for a fourth term in January elections boycotted by the main opposition.

Despite the government scaling back most of the controversial quotas following a ruling, students continue to protest, seeking justice for those killed and injured, and calling for Hasina's resignation. Supporters of the prime minister have ruled out her resignation, though Hasina has offered unconditional dialogue with student leaders to end the violence. This offer has been rejected by the protesters.

The government called in the military last month to restore order after police stations and state buildings were set on fire during the protests. General Waker-Uz-Zaman, the Bangladeshi army chief, has reaffirmed the military's commitment to standing by the people and the state.