Army deployed in Bangladesh amid deadly student protests and curfew

Bangladesh government imposed nationwide curfew and deployed armed forces amid clashes between police and students. The curfew was imposed indefinitely, but government officials who were not authorized to speak publicly said the government was hopeful that things would calm down by Monday, although they added that the situation was fluid.

The university students have been protesting for weeks about rotten quota system for government jobs that they say limits their opportunities by benefiting only certain groups, including the families of those who fought for independence from Pakistan.

Officials of Awami League, the political party led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, have said they want to negotiate with the students while student leaders have held their ground, refusing to hold talks until the quota system is permanently quashed.

The protests in start were peaceful but anger grew quickly and tried to disperse protests with increasing force, including by firing rubber bullets and pellets. Protesters armed with sticks and bats fought with the police and counter protesters.

So far, 100 people have been killed while hundreds wounded amid clashes. Social sites have been shutdown as videos of violent clashes, and multiple news outlets carried videos showing state buildings further add to woes.

The government also shut down internet connectivity in name of public safety, saying that such a move was necessary to stop the spread of rumors and disinformation. It also had effect of stopping protesters from sharing information and making plans on social media, and choked the flow of information in and out of the country.

Amid the dire situation, human rights groups condemned security forces’ crackdown and the internet shutdown.