Bangladesh Reels from Violent Protests: Government Buildings Torched, 100 Police Officers Injured
Get link
Facebook
X
Pinterest
Email
Other Apps
Bangladesh experienced significant destruction on Friday following the deadliest day of ongoing student protests. Government buildings, including the Dhaka headquarters of Bangladesh Television, were torched by demonstrators, and a nationwide internet blackout was implemented.
This week's unrest has resulted in at least 39 deaths, with 32 occurring on Thursday, and the death toll is expected to rise as clashes continue across nearly half of the country's districts. According to a police statement, protesters engaged in "destructive activities" against numerous police and government offices.
Faruk Hossain, a spokesman for the capital's police force, told AFP that roughly 100 policemen were injured in the clashes yesterday. He added that about 50 police booths were set ablaze. The police statement warned that if the destruction did not cease, they would "be forced to make maximum use of law".
At least two-thirds of the deaths reported so far were caused by police fire, according to hospital staff descriptions given to AFP. On Thursday, clashes were reported in at least 26 districts, with more than 700 people injured, including 104 police officers and 30 journalists, as reported by Independent Television.
The ongoing protests, occurring nearly every day this month, demand an end to a quota system that reserves over half of civil service positions for specific groups, such as children of veterans from the 1971 liberation war against Pakistan. Critics argue that the quota system benefits children of pro-government groups supporting Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who has ruled since 2009 and secured her fourth consecutive election win in January in an uncontested vote.
Rights groups accuse Hasina's government of abusing state institutions to solidify its power and suppress dissent, including through extrajudicial killings of opposition activists. This week, her administration ordered schools and universities to close indefinitely as police intensified efforts to restore law and order. Mubashar Hasan, a Bangladesh expert at the University of Oslo, told AFP that the protests had become a broader expression of dissatisfaction with Hasina's authoritarian rule.
"They are protesting against the repressive nature of the state," he said, noting that students are labeling her a dictator. Despite Hasina's national address on the now-offline state broadcaster aiming to calm the situation, students have vowed to continue their campaign.
The government is looking into allegations of counterfeit fertilizer following public outcry, as stated by Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura. Mwaura mentioned that the Directorate of Criminal Investigations has initiated an investigation into the purported counterfeit fertilizer. "I want to assure you that those found culpable of supplying not only the fertilizer but also any other form of fake farm inputs shall be apprehended and prosecuted," Mwaura said. He mentioned that the government's decision to provide subsidized fertilizer assists in protecting small-scale farmers from fluctuations in fertilizer prices. The government representative stated that the fertilizer identified as counterfeit is a commercially sold product under an agency agreement outside the NCPB system. "The product is not part of the GOK subsidized fertilizer availed to registered farmers," he said. He mentioned that every fertilizer distributed through the Government Subsidized Program...
In the somber halls of Friends International Centre, family, friends, and fellow judges gathered to share anecdotes and memories of Justice David Majanja. Appointed as a High Court judge in 2011, Majanja passed away on Wednesday evening at The Nairobi Hospital, two days after being admitted for surgery. His death has left a profound sense of loss among judges, lawyers, and staff. During a solemn service filled with tears and fond memories, Chief Justice Martha Koome led the Judiciary in honoring Majanja's life. The gathering included men and women in red robes and black suits adorned with purple ribbons, a group of judges and advocates united in mourning. Tributes highlighted Majanja’s dedication to justice and unwavering integrity. Chief Justice Koome's eulogy praised Majanja’s judicial excellence and sharp intellect. She emphasized the need for the judiciary to remain impartial and uphold the rule of law in his absence. She also recalled Majanja's role in formulating poli...
On Monday, 20, May, President Ruto arrived in Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America for the much-anticipated state visit granted by US President Joe Biden. President Ruto commenced his visit with a visit to the Carter Presidential Library and Museum in Atlanta. Next on his itinerary was the King Center where he paid homage to the Civil Rights struggle by Martin Luther King Jr and reflected on the tireless pursuit for a better world. His third engagement focused on the US Kenya Health Partnership of the Center for Disease Control (CDC) headquarters. Several partnerships were penned. Ruto and the First Lady were then hosted by Kenya's Diaspora in Atlanta at the Cobb Galeria Center. On Tuesday, President Ruto was at Spelman College where he discussed the critical role of higher education, particularly science and technology in enchanting Kenya's human capital development. A pact was signed to enhance student and faculty exchange, joint research and innovation. He the...
Comments
Post a Comment