Thousands of protesters in Bangladesh are calling for Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to step down, leading to clashes with pro-government supporters and resulting in eight deaths. The protests, which took place in Dhaka’s Shahbagh Square and other major cities, saw students and ruling party members engage in violent confrontations.
The Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, led by Asif Mahmud, has launched a civil disobedience campaign demanding the government’s resignation. This movement has gained support from former military officers, with ex-army chief General Ikbal Karim Bhuiyan showing solidarity by changing his profile picture on Facebook.
While the army has intervened to restore order in previous protests, current army chief Waker-uz-Zaman emphasized the army’s commitment to the people and the state. The recent protests were sparked by demonstrations against civil service job quotas, which resulted in over 200 deaths in July.
The protests have evolved into a broader anti-government movement with widespread participation across Bangladeshi society. People from various backgrounds, including celebrities and musicians, have joined the demonstrations. The garment sector, a vital part of the economy, has expressed solidarity with the protesters, condemning the loss of innocent lives.
The government, led by the Awami League, has called for support from party activists nationwide. However, the Students Against Discrimination group, which initiated the protests, has emphasized peaceful rallies while preparing for any potential attacks.
Protesters have blocked transportation routes into Dhaka and called for a halt in tax payments and utility bills. They have also urged government workers and laborers to go on strike. Prime Minister Hasina, who has been in power since 2009, is facing growing criticism for alleged misuse of state institutions to maintain control and suppress dissent.
The demonstrations, which began over the controversial quota system for government jobs, have escalated into a broader movement challenging the government’s authority. Despite the government’s efforts to quell the protests, the momentum of the movement shows no signs of waning.