New protests erupted across Bangladesh on Friday, leading to two deaths and over 100 injuries. The latest wave of unrest follows a violent month of demonstrations that have already claimed more than 200 lives, primarily due to disputes over controversial job quota reforms.
In Dhaka, the capital, more than 2,000 protesters took to the streets, rallying against Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government. Chanting slogans like “down with the autocrat,” the demonstrators demanded justice for the victims of previous clashes. Tensions flared in the Uttara neighborhood, where police used tear gas and stun grenades to disperse protesters who were throwing stones.
In Khulna, a southwestern district, the situation grew tense as police deployed tear gas and rubber bullets, resulting in injuries to at least 50 people. Reports from the Dhaka-based Daily Star indicate that a policeman was killed during the clashes after being attacked by protesters.
The unrest also spread to Habiganj in the northeastern region, where an arson attack on a local office of the ruling Awami League party led to the death of an electrician and injuries to 50 others. The electrician, who was reportedly in town to buy shoes, was fatally shot in the head during the attack.
In Chattogram, a southeastern city, around 1,000 protesters gathered after Friday prayers, setting fire to a roadside police guard post, according to reports.
What began as peaceful student protests against a government job quota system has escalated into a significant challenge to Hasina’s 15-year rule. The ongoing demonstrations reflect growing discontent and signal an unprecedented level of rebellion against the prime minister’s long-standing administration.
As clashes continue and the death toll rises, the situation remains volatile, with no immediate signs of resolution. The government’s response to the unrest and the protesters’ demands will be closely watched in the coming days.