Authorities in Bangladesh have enforced a nationwide curfew following further riots in Dhaka, where an additional 35 people have been killed. The violence erupted due to students demanding the government revoke a rule reserving public jobs for the families of 1971 independence war veterans.
The Prime Minister’s office announced the curfew after a Friday attack on the Narsingdi prison resulted in the release of hundreds of inmates. Government Press Secretary Naeemul Islam Khan stated that the military would be deployed to help restore order. “The government has decided to impose a curfew and deploy the military in aid of the civilian authorities,” he said.
Since the unrest began, 67 people have died, though the exact toll is unclear due to a communications blackout, with mobile internet and phone lines down. Bus and train services have been halted, and photos show police in riot gear in Dhaka. Schools and universities nationwide are closed until further notice.
Protesters, undeterred, continue their “Complete Shutdown” by blockading roads. On Friday, students, chanting slogans such as “merit, merit” and “we won’t let the blood that has been shed of our brothers go in vain,” were joined by parents outside Dhaka University. They argue the quota system is discriminatory, benefiting pro-government groups supporting Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who won her fourth consecutive election in January.
A march by Islamist parties faced tear gas, rubber bullets, and stun grenades. Protesters stormed Narsingdi district jail on Friday, freeing several hundred inmates. Multiple witnesses confirmed the incident.
The opposition Bangladesh National Party has called for protests, with exiled acting chairman Tarique Rahman urging support for “these tender-hearted students” on Twitter. The party reported the arrest of senior leader Ruhul Kabir Rizvi Ahmed, though police gave no reasons for his detention.
Efforts to resolve the protests through dialogue have failed. Law Minister Anisul Haque expressed the government’s willingness to discuss the issues. “I’m sure they are also discussing whether they will come to the talks or not,” he said. However, student Nahid Iqbal stated they would not join talks under current circumstances.
Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner Shafiqul Islam announced a ban on rallies to protect lives and property after Thursday’s violence. Police confirmed two deaths on Friday and reported 100 officers injured on Thursday. A government minister noted several vehicles outside government buildings were set on fire.
The unrest has spread beyond Dhaka, with 26 districts reporting incidents. Protesters who occupied and set fire to the state broadcaster BTV had left by Friday morning, though the channel remained off-air. A senior reporter said the newsroom, studio, and canteen were damaged in Thursday’s fire.
