18 Killed, Dozens Injured in Bangladesh Clashes Over Job Quota Protests

18 Killed, Dozens Injured in Bangladesh Clashes Over Job Quota Protests

Ashiq Butt | August 4, 2024 | 11:01 PM IST | Bangladesh, Breaking News, World | Follow on Google News

18 Killed, Dozens Injured in Bangladesh Clashes Over Job Quota Protests

18 Killed, Dozens Injured in Bangladesh Clashes Over Job Quota Protests

Key Highlights:

1. 18 killed in violent clashes over job quota protests.
2. Prime Minister Hasina condemns protesters as terrorists.
3. Nationwide curfew imposed amid escalating violence.

DHAKA: At least 18 people have been killed and dozens injured in violent clashes between protesters and ruling Awami League supporters in Bangladesh. The unrest, driven by ongoing protests against a controversial government job quota system, has intensified calls for Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s resignation.

This latest wave of violence follows previous clashes that resulted in over 200 deaths, primarily among student protesters demanding an end to the quota system that favors veterans’ families from the 1971 War of Independence.

The clashes erupted when protesters engaged in a non-cooperation movement were met with resistance from Awami League activists, including Chhatra League and Jubo League members.

The Home Ministry responded by imposing a nationwide curfew starting at 6 pm on Sunday to curb the violence.

Prime Minister Hasina labeled the protesters as terrorists rather than students and urged citizens to suppress them firmly. She convened a high-level security meeting, including top military and police officials, to address the crisis.

The violence has spread across various regions, with significant casualties reported in Rangpur, Bogra, Magura, Sirajganj, and Comilla. In Dhaka, protests have led to widespread property damage, including attacks on vehicles and government buildings.

Despite Hasina’s offer for dialogue, the protesters, under the Anti-Discrimination Students Movement banner, have rejected the proposal and intensified their demands.

They have called for widespread participation in the protests, which have led to disruptions across the capital and beyond.

Ashiq Butt

Ashiq Butt – is VoM News's senior staffer worked since year 2015 and he deals with correspondency and social media handles. Hailing from Doda's Marmat, Ashiq has strong grip over the collection of the data and it's compiling feature.