Authorities in Bangladesh have imposed a strict curfew and deployed military forces in response to violent clashes that have left several people dead and hundreds injured. The unrest stems from protests over the allocation of government jobs, with the deadliest day occurring on Friday.
Reports indicate varying numbers of casualties, with one source reporting 43 deaths. The situation remains volatile, with clashes between police and protesters escalating in Dhaka and other cities. Online communications have been restricted, and a curfew has been implemented, with a 'shoot-at-sight' order in place for extreme cases.
The protests, which began weeks ago but intensified this week, pose a significant challenge to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's government. Demonstrators are demanding an end to a quota system that reserves government jobs for veterans' relatives, arguing that it is discriminatory and favors political supporters.
Efforts to find a resolution are underway, with student leaders meeting government representatives to discuss reforms. The main opposition party, Bangladesh Nationalist Party, has expressed support for the protests but denies responsibility for the violence.
The government had previously suspended the job quotas in response to mass protests in 2018, but a recent court ruling reinstated them pending an appeal. The Supreme Court is set to address the issue further on Sunday.
Prime Minister Hasina has urged protesters to await the court's decision, emphasizing the need for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing crisis.
