Bangladesh students have dismissed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s attempts to quell nationwide protests against civil service hiring rules. Despite Hasina’s pledge to bring justice for seven protesters killed, demonstrators vow to continue. Schools and universities have been closed indefinitely, and efforts to contain the rallies have intensified.
Riot police have employed tear gas and rubber bullets, leading to violent clashes with protesters and ruling Awami League supporters. In a televised address, Hasina condemned the “murder” of protesters and promised punishment for the culprits, irrespective of their political ties. However, Students Against Discrimination, the protest’s main organizers, deemed her response insincere, urging further demonstrations.
A nationwide shutdown was observed in Dhaka, with empty streets and widespread mobile internet outages reported. Police confirmed the death of an 18-year-old protester from rubber bullets, adding to over 500 injuries and six fatalities from previous clashes. Amnesty International criticized Bangladeshi security forces for using unlawful force.
