Fresh violence in Bangladesh has resulted in at least 91 deaths, including 14 police officers, with hundreds more injured, according to Prothom Alo. The violence has led the Assistant High Commission of India in Sylhet to issue a travel advisory for its nationals and establish a helpline number (+88-01313076402) for emergencies.
Background of the Conflict
The violence erupted during a non-cooperation movement led by student groups demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. This conflict intensified when demonstrators clashed with supporters of the Awami League, Chhatra League, and Jubo League. The unrest follows earlier protests in July, which were sparked by student demands for an end to a government job quota system and resulted in over 200 deaths.
Government Response and Measures
In response to the violence, Prime Minister Hasina has condemned the protesters as “criminals” and urged a firm crackdown. The government has announced a holiday from Monday to Wednesday, and courts will remain closed indefinitely. Mobile internet services were suspended, and social media platforms, including Facebook and WhatsApp, have been blocked.
Impact and Casualties
The violence has caused significant casualties:
- Total Dead: 91, including 14 policemen.
- Dead in Specific Areas:
- Sirajganj: 22 (including 13 policemen)
- Feni: 5
- Dhaka: 4
- Chattogram: Attacks on residences and offices
UNICEF’s Report
UNICEF has confirmed that at least 32 children were killed during the protests in July, with many more injured and detained. UNICEF condemned the violence, calling it a “terrible loss.”
Reactions and Criticisms
Professor Muhammad Yunus, Nobel laureate and founder of Grameen Bank, criticized India’s stance on the protests as an internal matter. Yunus highlighted the potential for the unrest to affect neighboring countries and criticized the lack of democratic resolution.
Recent Developments
- Protests: Students and professionals have continued protests, including demonstrations and mass sit-ins. The Anti-Discrimination Students Movement has organized events to commemorate victims and press for the resignation of PM Hasina.
- Violence: There have been attacks on both ruling party and opposition leaders’ properties. Vehicles and public infrastructure have also been targeted.
Government Actions
The government has imposed an indefinite curfew from 6 pm and shut down Meta platforms and 4G mobile internet. A meeting of the National Committee on Security Affairs was held to address the situation.
Call for Political Solutions
Former senior military generals have urged the government to withdraw the armed forces from the streets and seek political solutions to the crisis. They have criticized the use of military forces against civilians and emphasized the need for political dialogue.
Ongoing Protests and Demands
Protests continue with calls for the resignation of Prime Minister Hasina and accountability for the violence. Despite Hasina’s offer for dialogue, the protests have intensified with a unified demand for her resignation.
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs):
- How many people have been reported dead in the recent violence in Bangladesh?
- A) 72
- B) 91
- C) 200
- D) 32
- Which organization has issued a travel advisory and helpline number for Indian nationals in Bangladesh?
- A) Indian Embassy in Dhaka
- B) Assistant High Commission of India in Sylhet
- C) United Nations
- D) UNICEF
- What triggered the recent violence in Bangladesh?
- A) Economic policies
- B) Non-cooperation movement and demand for Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s resignation
- C) Natural disaster
- D) International conflict
- What action did the Bangladeshi government take in response to the violence?
- A) Imposed a curfew and shut down mobile internet services
- B) Increased internet bandwidth
- C) Opened all courts and government offices
- D) Provided financial aid to affected families
- How many children were confirmed dead by UNICEF during the July protests?
- A) 14
- B) 32
- C) 50
- D) 72