Bangladesh imposes curfew, deploys military forces as 105 killed in protests
Authorities in Bangladesh have imposed a nationwide curfew in the wake of the deadly unrest that has spread across the country. The clashes between student protestors and police have led to the deaths of at least 105 people, according to news agency AFP’s count of deceased reported by hospitals.
This poses the toughest political challenge for Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh’s longest-serving leader, as students are demanding reforms to the government’s existing quota policy on jobs.
In a televised address to the nation, PM Sheikh Hasina invited the students for talks to find a solution to the issue peacefully. However, given the existing situation, it is not clear whether the students will accept the government’s offer.
Bangladesh Unrest
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Setting the narrative over Bangladesh’s unrest, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated on Friday that it is an “internal” matter of the country. However, there are around 15,000 Indians, including 8,500 students, currently residing in Bangladesh, who, as per the MEA spokesperson, are all safe. So far, the government has facilitated the return of 245 Indian citizens, including 125 students.
