Bangladesh Protests Turn Deadly: 39 Dead, Internet Shutdown Amid Clashes

Jul 18, 2024, 04:08 PM

Bangladesh is experiencing widespread unrest as student-led protests against a government job quota system have turned violent. The protests, which began over a 30% quota for the descendants of freedom fighters in government jobs, have resulted in at least 39 deaths and hundreds of injuries, including 400 in Dhaka alone. The government has responded by shutting down mobile internet services nationwide, deploying 7,000 troops, and closing universities indefinitely. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has called for calm and pledged justice for those killed, but students have rejected her olive branch and vowed to continue their demonstrations. International bodies, including the UN and the US, have urged the Bangladeshi government to uphold the right to peaceful protest and engage in dialogue with the protesters. The situation remains tense with reports of police using tear gas and rubber bullets against demonstrators, and the state broadcaster's headquarters being set on fire by protesters.