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Thousands Protest in Bangladesh, Demand PM Hasina’s Resignation Amid Rising Unrest

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Injuries and Police Response

At least 20 people were injured as police fired rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse crowds during widespread protests in the Bangladeshi capital and other parts of the country on Friday. Thousands of demonstrators called for Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s resignation.

Protest Demands and Actions

The protesters demanded justice for the families of the 150 people killed in violence during last month’s demonstrations over a job quota system. In Dhaka, scores of youths marched with chants of “we want justice” and waved anti-government banners. Elsewhere, buildings including a district office of the ruling Awami League party were set ablaze, a police booth was torched, and armored vehicles were vandalized.

Police Response in Different Cities

Police reported using rubber bullets and tear gas as crowds attacked them in the northeastern town of Habibganj, and stun grenades were used to disperse protesters in the nearby city of Sylhet. A witness in Sylhet reported about 20 people injured.

“They set fire to the local Awami League office and several other government offices, and torched motorcycles,” said Khalilur Rahman, a police official in Habiganj. Police had fired rubber bullets and tear gas to control the situation.

Context of the Unrest

This unrest is the biggest challenge facing Hasina since the deadly protests during her fourth-straight term win in January elections, which were boycotted by the main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party.

Background on Job Quota Protests

Last month, student groups led demonstrations against quotas in government jobs, including a 30% reservation for families of veterans of the 1971 war of independence from Pakistan. These demonstrations turned violent, killing at least 150 people, injuring thousands, and leading to about 10,000 arrests. The protests paused after the Supreme Court scrapped most quotas.

Renewed Protests and Criticism

Students have returned to the streets this week, demanding justice for the families of those killed. Critics of Hasina and human rights groups have accused her government of using excessive force to suppress the movement, a charge both Hasina and her ministers deny.

Student Perspective

“People make mistakes. If she (Hasina) would have apologized, everything would be back to normal. If she cannot control it, things will keep heating up,” said Syed Sadman, a student, at a protest in Dhaka.

Written by

Dubai

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