Bangladesh Unrest: Country imposes nationwide curfew, internet services disabled after deadly clashes
Bangladesh Unrest: The current unrest in Bangladesh has led the government to impose a nationwide curfew and disable mobile internet services. These measures come in response to escalating student-led anti-government protests.
Authorities have also indefinitely shut down schools and universities to control the situation and curb the spread of disinformation.
The protests, which have resulted in deadly clashes, reflect significant public discontent and have prompted these drastic actions by the government.
The running street battles between security forces, who are using rubber bullets and tear gas, have forced life in several neighborhoods of Bangladesh to a halt. According to media sources, the unrest has severely disrupted daily life and the country appeared largely deserted following the violent protests
Several leading Bangladeshi newspaper websites have not been updated since Thursday or are altogether inaccessible. Additionally, television channels have been taken off the air, contributing to a media blackout.
The India High Commission in Dhaka is coordinating with local authorities to ensure adequate security for students traveling to India. In collaboration with the BSF and the Bureau of Immigration, the Indian mission is facilitating the return of Indian students from Bangladesh.
Over 300 Indian nationals returned home after the turmoil, sparked by the reintroduction of reservation in government jobs, resulted in over 100 deaths as students clashed with security forces and pro-government activists.
The protests have tapped into a general sense of dissatisfaction as youth unemployment is rampant and inflation is skyrocketing. Old and delicate political rifts between those who supported Bangladesh's independence from Pakistan in 1971 and others who are alleged to have worked with Islamabad have been exposed by the protests.
- With inputs from agencies
