"I am terrified for my family members"
July 19, 2024, saw Bangladesh wake up to further chaos, violence and death. There is now a digital blackout in the country.
The tense standoff between police and student protestors has turned more bloody.
Ongoing student protests saw reports of extreme violence and deadly force by the police.
Police and security officials in Bangladesh fired bullets and tear gas shells at protesters and banned all gatherings in the capital, Dhaka, on Friday.
As matters became more violent, some demonstrators set fire to government buildings.
One of the sites targeted by protestors was the Dhaka headquarters of state broadcaster Bangladesh Television.
Faruk Hossain, a spokesperson for the capital’s police force, said:
“About 100 policemen were injured in the clashes yesterday.
“Around 50 police booths were burned.”
Police fire caused at least two-thirds of the deaths reported so far.
An official at Uttara Crescent Hospital in Dhaka, who asked not to be named for fear of reprisal, said:
“We’ve got seven dead here.
“The first two were students with rubber bullet injuries. The other five had gunshot injuries.”
Weeks ago, protests began peacefully as students called for reform of the discriminatory quota system. However, matters quickly escalated due to attacks from pro-government student supporters.
The police also faced criticism for their initial inaction to protect protestors and their use of force that killed protestors.
There have been reports of pro-student protestors and pro-government student supporters fighting with bricks and bamboo rods.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s remarks, referring to Razakars as a countermeasure to the protesters, further fanned the flames of discord and unrest.
Confrontations between the police and students have become more and more deadly.
Hasan Mehedi, a reporter from the online news outlet Dhaka Times, was killed while covering clashes in the capital.
Law Minister Anisul Huq has said the government is willing to hold talks with the protesters.
However, protest co-ordinator Nahid Islam said:
“Discussions and opening fire do not go hand in hand.
“We cannot trample over dead bodies to hold discussions. Discussions could have taken place earlier.”
The further escalation of matters has led to a nationwide digital blackout.
The digital blackout has people worldwide, including in the UK, with loved ones in Bangladesh worried.
Mia, a British Bangladeshi in Birmingham, told DESIblitz:
“I am terrified for my family members.
“It’s chaos. No idea what is happening. We can’t contact my family over there; no one can get through.”
“Everyone is worried, and the posts on socials are scaring us.”
Students began protesting due to limited employment opportunities, high unemployment, and a desire for change to a quota system that is viewed as discriminatory.
Mubashar Hasan, a Bangladesh expert at the University of Oslo, asserted that the protests are no longer just about the quota system.
The protests have become a broader expression of discontent with current government rule.
Hasan stated: “They are protesting against the repressive nature of the state.
“Protesters are questioning Hasina’s leadership, accusing her of clinging on to power by force.
“The students are, in fact, calling her a dictator.”
The digital blackout has worried many, raising questions and fears about what may be taking place, given all the violence previously broadcast.
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