The situation on Saturday deteriorated and numerous more lives were lost when the police fired at the crowd. This is over 135 people have been reported dead during six days of violent protests, according to international media. Despite the deployment of the military in aid of the police, unrest still reigns. At present, internet services have been suspended throughout Bangladesh since Thursday while outgoing telephone calls have been blocked. Bangladeshi media websites and social media accounts remain unaltered due to continuing disturbances.
Response by Prime Minister
Due to a serious crisis in her country, Sheikh Hasina decided that she would not travel to Spain or Brazil as planned earlier on. Consequently, following ongoing unrest, the government declared public holidays for Sunday and Monday this week across all regions of Bangladesh. On Saturday alone, AFP noted that many government offices had been set ablaze by protesters moving around Dhaka and other cities including heavily armed soldiers with full protection gear both walking and riding military vehicles on highways. To a large extent, it has become lawless with random shootings by both men in uniform.
Concerns Relating to Humanitarian Issues
Hospitals are reporting increasing numbers of casualties. Pakistani students have been stranded in Bangladesh due to the riots leading their parents to solicit assistance from Shehbaz Sharif who is the prime minister of Pakistan. Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, who is a spokesperson for the foreign office stated that they are in touch will all Pakistani students at the mission in Dhaka. These places were found out by the High Commission to provide safe havens for such pupils. Parents demand immediate repatriation of these children from their government.
Protests Background
These demonstrations emerged several days ago against a quota system that reserves thirty percent of all governmental workplaces for offspring whose fathers fought in such a conflict back in 1971. police highhandedness has seen student protestors clashing with them including pro ruling party student association. This continuing protest signifies deep-seated frustrations among the young towards perceived inequalities and lack of opportunities.
Comprising this, Bangladesh is still a country with an unstable situation. Where the government’s tough measures have failed to suppress the uprisings. While there is no end in sight for the current unrest. It continues to raise humanitarian and political issues that are of great importance to the world community.
