Bangladesh is witnessing unprecedented turmoil as student protesters escalate their agitation across the country. On Friday, the central Bangladeshi district of Narsingdi became a flashpoint when protesters stormed a jail, freeing hundreds of inmates before setting the prison ablaze. This violent outbreak is part of a broader unrest that has gripped the nation for weeks, with students demanding significant political changes.
Protesters Storm Jail and Set It Ablaze
In a dramatic turn of events, student protesters in Narsingdi broke into the district jail. According to local police, the inmates escaped en masse before the protesters set the jail on fire. A police officer, speaking anonymously to AFP, confirmed the incident, stating, “The inmates fled the jail, and the protesters set it on fire.” He estimated that the number of inmates could be in the hundreds. A senior government official also confirmed the jailbreak but withheld additional details.
Government Imposes Public Gathering Ban
In response to the escalating violence, Dhaka’s police chief, Habibur Rahman, announced a ban on all public gatherings in the capital for the day. He emphasized that this measure was necessary to ensure public safety. Despite this ban and an internet shutdown aimed at preventing the organization of further protests, confrontations between police and protesters continued.
Protesters Demand Resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina
The protesters are adamant about their demands, primarily calling for the immediate resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. One protester stated, “Our protest will continue. The government is responsible for the killings.” This sentiment echoes the anger and frustration felt by many students, who blame the government for the deaths resulting from the unrest.
Rising Death Toll Amidst Unrest
The unrest has already claimed at least 64 lives, according to reports citing hospital sources. The violence erupted following the High Court’s decision to reinstate the freedom fighters’ quota on July 1, reserving one-third of civil service posts for their descendants. This decision has ignited widespread discontent among students, leading to violent clashes with armed police in various cities, including Dhaka, Chattogram, Rangpur, and Cumilla.
Nationwide Disruptions and Impact
The student protests have caused significant disruptions across the country. In Dhaka and other major cities, life has been severely affected as students, armed with sticks and rocks, clash with police. The protests have led to blocked roads and train routes in at least eight districts, including Dhaka, Mymensingh, Khulna, and Chattogram. The Daily Star reported that train services have been heavily impacted due to these blockades.
The ongoing student protests in Bangladesh represent a critical juncture in the country’s political landscape. With the situation showing no signs of abating, the government faces mounting pressure to address the protesters’ demands. The call for Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s resignation and the reinstatement of the freedom fighters’ quota remain central issues. As the unrest continues, the nation’s stability hangs in the balance, with the potential for further escalation in the coming days.
