Amidst a harrowing internal crisis, Bangladesh was plunged into chaos as a fresh spell of violence erupted, claiming the lives of at least 98 people and leaving hundreds injured on Sunday. The protests demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina escalated into a tragic scene of turmoil and bloodshed, marking a dark chapter in the nation’s history.
The Bengali-language newspaper, Prothom Alo, reported the devastating aftermath of yesterday’s clashes, which marked the highest single-day death toll from any protest in Bangladesh’s recent memory. Surpassing the previous record of 67 deaths on July 19 during student-led protests advocating for the elimination of quotas in government jobs, the current crisis has reached alarming heights of brutality and unrest.
In response to the escalating violence, the government swiftly imposed a curfew and suspended internet services, heralding an era of uncertainty and strife. The indefinite curfew, initiated at 6 pm on Sunday, was accompanied by a three-day general holiday from Monday onwards, as the nation grappled with the repercussions of a society torn apart by dissent and aggression.
The clashes erupted on Sunday morning as protesters launched a non-cooperation campaign under the banner of the Students Against Discrimination, demanding Hasina’s resignation. However, their peaceful demonstration faced fierce resistance from the supporters of the ruling Awami League, Chhatra League, and Jubo League activists. Highways were blocked, vehicles were torched, and public infrastructure was vandalized, escalating the conflict to unprecedented levels of hostility.
The toll of casualties painted a grim picture of the crisis, with at least 13 policemen beaten to death in Sirajganj, alongside numerous civilians falling victim to the spiraling violence across various districts. From Munsiganj to Pabna, Feni to Lakshmipur, the wave of unrest swept through the nation, leaving a trail of destruction and despair in its wake.
As hospitals were vandalized and ambulances set ablaze, Health Minister Samanta Lal Sen expressed outrage at the egregious assault on medical facilities, denouncing such acts as intolerable in a civilized society. The escalating turmoil poses a formidable challenge to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who is facing the biggest test of her leadership as the nation grapples with the repercussions of spiraling violence and political unrest.
In the midst of mounting criticism and accusations of excessive force against protesters, Hasina staunchly defended her government’s actions and labeled the perpetrators of violence as terrorists seeking to destabilize the nation. Dismissing allegations of coercion, she urged the nation to unite against the forces of chaos, emphasizing the imperative of suppressing terrorism with unwavering resolve and solidarity.
As Bangladesh navigates through one of its darkest periods in recent memory, the resilience and unity of its people stand tested in the face of a crisis that threatens to undermine the very fabric of the nation’s stability and integrity.
