The government ordered the shutdown of Meta platforms Facebook, Messenger, WhatsApp and Instagram. The mobile operators were ordered to shut down 4G mobile internet Prime Minister Hasina on Saturday offered to sit for talks with the coordinators of the movement.
Dhaka: Bangladesh is preparing for another tense day as protestors have called on the general public to join a “Long March to Dhaka” on Monday. This comes after nearly 100 people died in intense clashes between demonstrators demanding Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s resignation and supporters of the ruling party in various parts of the country.
The clashes broke out on Sunday morning when protesters participating in a non-cooperation program under the banner of Students Against Discrimination, with the sole demand of Prime Minister Hasina’s resignation over a job quota system, were met with opposition from supporters of the ruling Awami League, Chhatra League, and Jubo League activists.
According to the Bengali-language newspaper Prothom Alo report, at least 99 people, including 14 policemen, were killed in clashes on Sunday. Mobile internet was cut off and a nationwide curfew for an indefinite period was imposed. Earlier, the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement scheduled their “Long March to Dhaka” on Tuesday, however, the march was later planned for today, August 5, 2024.
The decision was taken during an urgent meeting amid growing concerns in the country, Asif Mahmud, a coordinator of the movement, said in a press release issued on Sunday night, PTI reported. “In an urgent decision to review the situation, our ‘March to Dhaka’ program has been changed from August 6 to August 5. In other words, we are calling on students from all over the country to travel to Dhaka tomorrow (Monday),” he said. “The final battle has come. It is time to make the final signature of this student citizen uprising. Come to Dhaka to be a part of history. Students will create a new Bangladesh,” Asif added, asking the general public to join it. Due to a nationwide curfew, the Awami League’s planned mourning procession on Monday has been cancelled.
India advises its nationals not to travel to Bangladesh after fresh violence, issues advisory
Meanwhile, India has issued an advisory advising all its nationals to avoid travelling to Bangladesh until further notice due to ongoing violence.
Advisory for Bangladesh:https://t.co/mKs1auhnlK pic.twitter.com/m5c5Y0Bn8b
— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) August 4, 2024
“All Indian nationals presently in Bangladesh are advised to exercise extreme caution, restrict their movements and remain in contact with the High Commission of India in Dhaka through their emergency phone numbers: +8801958383679 +8801958383680 +8801937400591,” reads the advisory.
The University Teachers’ Network has proposed to form an interim government immediately consisting of people of different sections and professions. As per the proposal, Hasina will have to hand over power to the interim government. The teachers’ network held a press conference titled ‘Proposal of an outline for transition to a democratic Bangladesh free of discrimination’ at the Sagar-Runi Auditorium of Dhaka Reporters’ Unity Sunday.
The clashes on Sunday broke out just days after more than 200 people were killed in violent confrontations between the police and predominantly student protesters. The protesters were demanding the abolition of the controversial quota system, which reserved 30 per cent of government jobs for the relatives of veterans who fought in Bangladesh’s War of Independence in 1971. Following the initial clashes, over 11,000 people have been arrested.
As per PTI report, Officials claimed that Sunday’s protests were joined by unidentified people and activists of rightwing Islami Shashontantra Andolon, which erected barricades on several major highways and within the capital city. Houses of public representatives, Awami League offices, police stations and other government installations were attacked, vandalised and torched in 39 districts on Sunday.
Curfew in major cities and small towns across Bangladesh, Meta Platforms Shut
The situation prompted authorities to order a curfew in major cities and small towns across Bangladesh for an indefinite period from 6 PM Sunday, mobilising troops, paramilitary border guards BGB, and the elite anti-crime Rapid Action Battalion alongside police. A complete shutdown of Meta platforms Facebook, Messenger, WhatsApp and Instagram have been ordered by the government. The mobile operators were ordered to shut down 4G mobile internet Prime Minister Hasina on Saturday offered to sit for talks with the coordinators of the movement. However, they rejected her proposal. The government leaders earlier claimed that the “peaceful campaign” was hijacked by fundamentalist Jamaat-e-Islami and their student front Islami Chhatra Shibir being backed by ex-premier Khaleda Zia’s BNP.
(With PTI Inputs)