High Security Alert in Bangladesh Amid Protests

A high security alert has been issued across Bangladesh due to violent clashes between students and police. These clashes have resulted in the deaths of at least 32 people.

On Thursday, angry students set fire to the state broadcaster, BTV, after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina appeared on the network, calling for peace. Hundreds of protesters, demanding changes to civil service hiring rules, fought back against riot police who used rubber bullets. The protesters chased the officers to BTV’s headquarters in Dhaka and set the reception building and many vehicles on fire.

BTV posted on Facebook that many people were trapped inside as the fire spread, but later, an official confirmed they were safely evacuated. The broadcast was shut down due to the fire.

Hasina’s government has ordered schools and universities to close indefinitely as police try to control the situation. The Prime Minister condemned the deaths of protesters as “murder” and vowed to punish those responsible, regardless of their political affiliation. Law Minister Anisul Huq said the government is willing to talk to the protesters, but violence continued despite these appeals.

On Thursday, the violence escalated with police using tear gas and rubber bullets. At least 25 people were killed that day, and a total of 32 people have died during the protests, according to reports.

Protesters stormed BTV after setting fire to a police station. In other parts of Dhaka, students created human blockades and were attacked by pro-ruling party groups. Medical students taking shelter at a college compound were also attacked.

The protests started because students are demanding an end to a quota system that reserves more than half of civil service jobs for certain groups, including children of veterans from the 1971 war against Pakistan. Critics say the system benefits children of pro-government groups that support Hasina, who has been in power since 2009.

The Supreme Court is set to hear the government’s appeal against a verdict that ordered the reinstatement of the quota on August 7. Hasina has asked students to be patient until the verdict. Mobile internet has been cut off across the country.