32 Dead in Bangladesh Unrest as Protesters Torch State TV Network
Clashes Over Civil Service Reform Ignite Violent Protests and Internet Blackouts
Violence Escalates Amid Civil Service Reform Protests
In Bangladesh, violent clashes have erupted, resulting in at least 32 fatalities as students set fire to the state broadcaster. This unrest follows an appearance by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on the network, urging calm amidst ongoing demonstrations against civil service hiring policies.
Protesters Overwhelm Police and Target State Broadcaster
Protesters demanding changes to civil service hiring rules clashed with riot police in Dhaka, the capital. Despite the use of rubber bullets, the demonstrators overpowered the officers, forcing them to retreat. The incensed crowd then targeted Bangladesh Television (BTV), setting ablaze its reception building and multiple vehicles.
According to a Facebook post by BTV, “many people” were initially trapped inside, but an official later confirmed that all occupants had been safely evacuated.
Government Response and Rising Tensions
In response to the unrest, Prime Minister Hasina ordered the indefinite closure of schools and universities while the police intensify efforts to restore order. She condemned the “murder” of protesters, promising punishment for those responsible, regardless of their political affiliations. Law Minister Anisul Huq expressed the government’s willingness to engage in dialogue with protesters. However, Hasina has so far dismissed their demands.
Despite these efforts, violence escalated as police used rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse crowds. Protester Bidisha Rimjhim, 18, stated, “Our first demand is that the prime minister must apologize to us. Secondly, justice must be ensured for our killed brothers.”
Casualties and Continued Clashes
Casualty figures compiled by AFP from hospitals indicate that at least 25 people were killed on Thursday, with seven more deaths reported earlier in the week. Hospital sources revealed that police weaponry caused two-thirds of these fatalities, with many victims suffering from rubber bullet and gunshot injuries.
In Dhaka’s Uttara Crescent Hospital, an official reported, “We’ve got seven dead here,” detailing injuries ranging from rubber bullet wounds to gunshots. Approximately 1,000 others have been treated for injuries sustained during clashes.
What’s Other Trending
Growing Discontent with Hasina’s Rule
Protests have intensified over a quota system that reserves over half of civil service positions for specific groups, including children of veterans from Bangladesh’s 1971 war against Pakistan. Critics argue that this system disproportionately benefits children of pro-government factions supporting Hasina, who has governed since 2009 and won her fourth consecutive election earlier this year.
Mubashar Hasan, a Bangladesh expert at the University of Oslo, noted that the protests reflect broader discontent with Hasina’s leadership. “They are protesting against the repressive nature of the state,” he stated, adding that students are labeling Hasina a dictator.
What’s Other Trending
Internet Blackouts and Social Media Restrictions
In response to the unrest, Bangladesh experienced widespread mobile internet outages, following earlier restrictions on access to Facebook, a key platform for organizing protests. Junior Telecommunications Minister Zunaid Ahmed Palak stated that social media had been “weaponized as a tool to spread rumors, lies, and disinformation,” prompting the government to limit access.
Confrontations Between Protesters and Ruling Party Supporters
Alongside police crackdowns, supporters of Hasina’s ruling Awami League have clashed with protesters using bricks and bamboo rods. Amnesty International has criticized the Bangladeshi security forces for using unlawful force against demonstrators, highlighting video evidence from recent clashes.
This article is based on a report by Dawn.
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