Anti-government protests in Bangladesh: Death toll rises to 99

In Bangladesh, thousands of people have taken to the streets to demand the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina after student leaders declared civil disobedience against the government. 

The death toll has risen as demonstrations, where anti-government slogans were chanted, turned into violent clashes between Bangladeshi protesters and police.

The number of people who lost their lives in incidents where police used tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse protesters has risen to 99. 

According to reports from Bangladeshi media citing hospital and police officials, 22 deaths were recorded in Sirajganj, including 13 police officers, 11 in the capital Dhaka, 8 in Feni, 8 in Lakshmipur, 6 in Narsingdi, 5 in Bogura, 5 in Kishoreganj, 5 in Sylhet, 4 in Rangpur, 4 in Magura, 3 in Pabna, 3 in Munshiganj, 3 in Bhola, 3 in Cumilla, 2 in Sherpur, 2 in Joypurhat, and 1 death each in Habiganj, Cox's Bazar, Keraniganj, Savar, and Barishal.

Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, in a statement following a national security meeting attended by the heads of the army, navy, air force, police, and other institutions, said, "Those currently protesting on the streets are not students, but terrorists trying to destabilize the country. I call upon our citizens to firmly suppress these terrorists."

CURFEW AND 3-DAY PUBLIC HOLIDAY DECLARED

The government has declared an "indefinite" nationwide curfew starting from 18:00 local time and has also announced a 3-day public holiday for Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday to ensure public safety. It was stated that during this period, workplaces, courts, banks, the stock exchange, and financial institutions will be closed.

174 PEOPLE HAD DIED IN QUOTA PROTESTS

In Bangladesh, 174 people had lost their lives in protests against the allocation of public sector quotas for the families of those who participated in the 1971 War of Independence. Although the government withdrew a large portion of the quota, students continued their actions. The students, who are demanding Hasina's resignation, also rejected Hasina's offer for unconditional dialogue.

News Source: 12punto