Tensions are running high in Bangladesh as both anti-government protesters and the ruling Awami League are gearing up for rallies across the country on Sunday. The demonstrations come in the wake of deadly violence last month over quotas in civil service jobs, which left over 200 people dead.
In a major crackdown by security forces, around 10,000 people have been reportedly detained in the past two weeks, including opposition supporters and students. The Students Against Discrimination group, leading the anti-government protests, is calling for Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to step down.
The group has announced a nationwide disobedience movement starting Sunday, urging citizens to withhold taxes and utility payments, and calling for a shutdown of factories and public transport. On the other hand, the Awami League, led by Ms. Hasina, is also planning marches across the country on the same day.
With both sides preparing to hold rallies, concerns are rising about the potential for further violence. The next few days are crucial for both camps, with student leader Nahid Islam demanding not only the resignation of Ms. Hasina but also a trial for the alleged killings, looting, and corruption.
The protests present a significant challenge for Ms. Hasina, who won a fourth consecutive term in January’s elections boycotted by the main opposition. The initial trigger for the protests was the reservation of civil service jobs for veterans of Bangladesh’s independence war, a policy that has since been largely rolled back by the government.
Despite offering unconditional dialogue with student leaders to end the violence, Ms. Hasina’s offer was rejected by the protesters. The military was called in last month to restore order after several incidents of arson and violence during the protests.
As tensions escalate and protests reignite in various cities, the government is struggling to contain the growing anger over its handling of the demonstrations. The media reports that most of those killed in last month’s protests were shot by police, with the government maintaining that the use of force was in self-defence and to protect state properties.
The situation remains volatile as both sides prepare for Sunday’s rallies, raising fears of further clashes and unrest in the country.
