Clashes between protesters demanding the resignation of Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and supporters of the ruling Awami League party resulted in at least 77 deaths on Sunday, according to police and hospital reports. An earlier report had placed the death toll at 50.
The confrontations occurred in several cities, including Dhaka, the capital with a population of 20 million, police reported. Thousands of Bangladeshis assembled in a Dhaka square early Sunday to call for Hasina’s resignation following over a month of protests initially sparked by issues related to civil service job quotas.
The protesters were heeding a call from the student coalition, Students Against Discrimination, which had urged a large-scale civil disobedience movement the day before.
Live ammunition shots
Police inspector Al Helal informed AFP that “there were clashes between students and supporters of the ruling party,” noting that two young men were killed in Dhaka’s Munshiganj district. “One sustained an injury to the head while the other had gunshot wounds,” he reported.
Another unnamed police officer told AFP that the entire city had become “a battlefield,” with thousands of protesters setting fire to vehicles and motorbikes near a hospital. Outside Dhaka, three individuals were killed in the northern district of Pabna, two in Rangpur, and one in Magura.
More than 200 dead since July
Asif Mahmud, a leader of Students Against Discrimination, cautioned fellow citizens on Sunday to be “prepared to fight.” He urged them to “prepare your bamboo sticks and liberate Bangladesh” through a Facebook post.
Meanwhile, Awami League Secretary General Obaidul Quader called on Bangladeshis to gather on Sunday “in all neighborhoods of Dhaka” and “in all districts” across the country. According to an AFP tally based on police and hospital data, at least 214 people have died since the protests began in July, mostly due to gunfire from security forces.
“The shocking violence in Bangladesh must cease,” stated the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights on Sunday night. “With a march on Dhaka scheduled for tomorrow, along with the ruling party’s youth movement mobilizing against the protesters, I am seriously concerned about further loss of life and destruction,” High Commissioner Volker Türk remarked in a statement.
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Violence Erupts in Bangladesh Amidst Protests Against Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina
Clashes between protesters demanding the resignation of Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and supporters of the ruling Awami League party left at least 77 people dead on Sunday, police and hospitals reported. Earlier, the death toll was reported at 50.
Recent Clashes Across Bangladesh
The violent clashes erupted in various cities, including the capital Dhaka, home to over 20 million people. Thousands of Bangladeshis gathered in a major square to call for Hasina’s resignation after a month of protests focused on civil service job quotas.
The large demonstrations were incited by a coalition of students named Students Against Discrimination, who had issued a call for civil disobedience in the days leading up to the protests.
Live Ammunition Used
Tensions escalated dramatically, resulting in fatal clashes between students and ruling party supporters. According to police inspector Al Helal, two young men lost their lives in Dhaka’s Munshiganj district due to gunfire, with one sustaining a head injury and the other wounded by gunfire.
Another police officer described the situation as “a battlefield,” indicating the chaos in the city where protesters set fire to vehicles, including cars and motorbikes near a hospital. Outside of Dhaka, fatalities included three people in the northern district of Pabna, two in Rangpur, and one in Magura.
Fatalities Since July
The protests against Prime Minister Hasina have resulted in over 200 deaths since they began in July, predominantly caused by gunfire from security personnel. A leader from Students Against Discrimination, Asif Mahmud, urged citizens to prepare for further conflict, emphasizing a struggle for liberation.
Meanwhile, Awami League Secretary General Obaidul Quader encouraged citizens to gather in neighborhoods across Dhaka and all districts of the nation, intensifying the calls for confrontation amidst rising tensions.
International Response
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, condemned the violent events and called for an end to hostilities. He expressed grave concerns about further loss of life as protests continued, highlighting the need for immediate resolution to the crisis.
Understanding the Context
The Underlying Issues
The protests have largely been sparked by frustrations over civil service job quotas, which have been seen as discriminatory. Young people, notably students, have taken to the streets to demand fair representation and employment opportunities. The broader political context involves allegations against the Awami League of consolidating power and stifling dissent.
The Role of Social Media
Social media has played a significant role in mobilizing protests and spreading information. Platforms have been used to organize meetings and rallies, as well as to highlight incidents of violence and police brutality.
Practical Tips for Activists
For those looking to engage in peaceful protest and advocate for change, consider the following practical tips:
- Stay Informed: Keep up with reliable news sources to stay aware of developments and changes in the situation.
- Plan Safely: Always have a clear understanding of your rights and the risks involved in protesting.
- Mobilize Communities: Engage with your local communities to build a collective voice.
- Utilize Social Media: Use social media responsibly to organize and inform others about the cause.
- Document Incidents: Safely report any incidents of violence or injustices to ensure they are recorded.
Case Studies
Similar protests in various countries have also drawn attention to systemic issues within ruling governments. For instance, the protests in Belarus in 2020 against President Alexander Lukashenko highlighted widespread discontent over electoral fraud and civil rights violations. This case showcases the global trend of youth-led movements confronting entrenched political power.
First-Hand Experience
Observations from previous protests indicate differing responses between government forces and civilian protesters. Eyewitness accounts often reveal a stark contrast in the depiction of the events by state media versus independent platforms. Activists emphasize the need for transparency and accountability in documenting such clashes.
Table of Recent Fatalities
| Date | Location | Fatalities | Cause |
|---|---|---|---|
| October 1, 2023 | Dhaka | 2 | Gunfire |
| October 1, 2023 | Pabna | 3 | Clashes |
| October 1, 2023 | Rangpur | 2 | Gunfire |
| October 1, 2023 | Magura | 1 | Clashes |
READ ALSO
UN calls for independent investigation into crackdown on Bangladesh protests.
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