The death toll in violent clashes between protesting students and security forces in Bangladesh has risen to 39.
Media reports indicate that protesters set fire to the government television building, resulting in its broadcasts being cut off.
According to reports, hundreds have been injured due to tear gas and plastic bullets fired by the police. Protesters have also set fire to vehicles, police checkpoints, and some government facilities.
According to NetBlocks, on Thursday night, internet access across Bangladesh was “almost completely cut off,” and international phone calls were also not connecting.
Reuters reports that the streets of Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, appeared deserted on Friday, with broadcasts from state news networks in the country being halted due to increased violence.
Protests in Bangladesh began late last month, but on Monday, student activists at Dhaka University clashed with police and opponents of the protests. Since then, the protests have spread to various cities in the country. Experts attribute these disturbances to high unemployment rates in the country.
Protesters in Bangladesh have been blocking roads for several days in protest against the allocation of 30% job quotas in government positions to families whose members participated in the country’s independence war with Pakistan. As the protests turned violent, many students clashed with police using stones and sticks.
The unrest underscores deep-seated socio-political tensions in Bangladesh, exacerbated by economic disparities and contentious government policies.
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