Thousands of students, armed with sticks and rocks, have clashed with armed police in various cities, including Dhaka, Chattogram, Rangpur, and Cumilla. The violence and subsequent arson have caused disruptions, particularly in Dhaka and other major cities.
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New Delhi: In a dramatic turn of events, student protesters in Bangladesh's Narsingdi district freed hundreds of inmates and set the local jail on fire on Friday. The chaos erupted amid ongoing violent demonstrations against the government's quota system.
Mass Jailbreak in Bangladesh
According to local police, the inmates fled the jail after protesters set the building ablaze. Speaking to AFP, an official said, “The inmates fled the jail and the protesters set the jail on fire. I don't know the exact number of inmates, but it would be in the hundreds.” A senior government official also confirmed the jailbreak but did not provide additional details.
Public gatherings banned in Dhaka
In response to the escalating violence, Dhaka's police force banned all public gatherings for the day. Police Chief Habibur Rahman announced, “We've banned all rallies, processions, and public gatherings in Dhaka today to ensure public safety.” Despite the ban and an internet shutdown aimed at disrupting protest organizations, confrontations between police and protesters continued.
Protesters demand resignation of PM Sheikh Hasina
Protesters remain resolute in their demands, calling for the immediate resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. One protester stated, “Our protest will continue. The government is responsible for the killings.” Reports indicate that at least 64 people have died in the emergency, according to hospital sources.
Origins of quota stir
The protests began on July 1 after the High Court reinstated the freedom fighters' quota, which reserves one-third of civil service posts for their descendants. This decision sparked widespread outrage among students, who viewed the quota system as unfair and discriminatory.
National unrest
Thousands of students, armed with sticks and rocks, have clashed with armed police in various cities, including Dhaka, Chattogram, Rangpur, and Cumilla. The violence and subsequent arson have caused disruptions, particularly in Dhaka and other major cities.
