Bangladesh is bracing for another tense day as protesters urge the public to join a “Long March to Dhaka” on Monday, following violent clashes that resulted in nearly 100 deaths. Demonstrators demanding Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s resignation faced fierce opposition from ruling party supporters across the country on Sunday.
Deadly Clashes and Nationwide Curfew
The violence erupted during a protest organized by Students Against Discrimination, who are calling for Hasina’s resignation over a controversial job quota system. Clashes between protesters and supporters of the ruling Awami League, Chhatra League, and Jubo League resulted in the deaths of at least 99 people, including 14 policemen, according to Bengali-language newspaper Prothom Alo.
In response to the unrest, authorities imposed a nationwide curfew and cut off mobile internet services. The curfew is set to last indefinitely.
Urgent Call to Action
The Anti-Discrimination Student Movement has rescheduled their “Long March to Dhaka” for Monday, a day earlier than initially planned. Movement coordinator Asif Mahmud issued a press release on Sunday night, urging students and the general public to converge in Dhaka.
“The final battle has come. It is time to make the final signature of this student citizen uprising. Come to Dhaka to be a part of history. Students will create a new Bangladesh,” Mahmud stated.
Cancelled Events and Safety Warnings
The Awami League’s planned mourning procession for Monday has been cancelled due to the curfew. Meanwhile, India has advised its nationals to avoid traveling to Bangladesh until further notice.
Proposal for Interim Government
The University Teachers’ Network has proposed the formation of an interim government, calling for Hasina to hand over power immediately. They held a press conference on Sunday, outlining their vision for a transition to a democratic, discrimination-free Bangladesh.
Continued Violence and Arrests
Sunday’s violence follows earlier clashes that left over 200 people dead. More than 11,000 people have been arrested in connection with the protests, which were initially sparked by opposition to a job quota system favoring relatives of veterans from Bangladesh’s War of Independence.
Authorities have mobilized troops, paramilitary border guards, and the elite Rapid Action Battalion to restore order. Government installations, Awami League offices, and police stations were attacked in 39 districts on Sunday.
Prime Minister Hasina had offered to negotiate with protest leaders, but her proposal was rejected. Government officials claim the protests have been hijacked by fundamentalist groups, including Jamaat-e-Islami and Islami Chhatra Shibir, backed by ex-premier Khaleda Zia’s BNP.
Social Media Blackout
In an effort to curb the unrest, the government has ordered the shutdown of major social media platforms, including Facebook, Messenger, WhatsApp, and Instagram, and has suspended 4G mobile internet services.
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