Protests in Bangladesh Result in 93 Deaths
Dhaka, The Gulf Observer: At least 93 people have been killed and hundreds injured across Bangladesh as students took to the streets demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, according to local media reports. The leading Bengali-language daily, Prothom Alo, reported on Sunday that the fatalities occurred in more than 15 districts as armed groups associated with the governing party attacked protesters and opened fire.
Initial reports indicated that 48 people were killed, with many others injured in the clashes. However, the death toll has since risen significantly.
In response to the escalating violence, authorities declared a three-day public holiday on Sunday. The clashes have involved protesters on one side and police and supporters of the governing Awami League party on the other.
At least 42 individuals with bullet wounds were taken to Chattogram Medical College Hospital, while at least 20 injured people sought treatment at Dhaka Medical College Hospital, according to the report.
Amid this emerging crisis, the government has ordered a shutoff of mobile internet services, with Facebook and WhatsApp being blocked again. The government had only recently resumed mobile services after a 10-day blackout on July 28.
Additionally, the government has tightened the ongoing military curfew and extended it indefinitely in response to the violent situation, according to a Home Ministry notification issued on Sunday.
