Dhaka, Bangladesh — Amid a surge of violence and unrest, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is reportedly being relocated to a ‘safe shelter’ as clashes continue across Bangladesh. The escalating situation has resulted in at least 300 deaths, with the country grappling with severe turmoil.
On Sunday, the streets of Dhaka and other major cities erupted into chaos as protesters defied a nationwide curfew with a ‘Long March to Dhaka’. The demonstrators, demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Hasina, have clashed violently with security forces. The unrest has seen widespread property damage and disruptions, leading to a heavy toll on both civilians and law enforcement.
In response to the unrest, the Bangladeshi military has declared an indefinite curfew and is set to intensify security measures across the country. The army chief, Waker-Uz-Zaman, is scheduled to address the nation shortly, with expectations that he will outline the military’s plans to restore order and address the crisis.
Prime Minister Hasina, facing mounting pressure and accusations of government mismanagement, has labeled the protests as acts of “sabotage”. In an effort to curb the organization of further demonstrations, her administration has cut off mobile internet access nationwide. This measure aims to hinder communication among protesters and reduce the spread of information that could fuel further unrest.
The international community is closely watching the developments in Bangladesh. India’s Ministry of External Affairs has issued a travel advisory, urging Indian citizens to avoid traveling to Bangladesh and advising those already in the country to exercise extreme caution. Indian nationals are advised to restrict their movements and maintain contact with the Indian High Commission in Dhaka.
The current unrest underscores deep-rooted political tensions in Bangladesh, with allegations of electoral fraud and corruption exacerbating the crisis. The situation remains volatile, with ongoing clashes and government responses expected to shape the near-term future of the country.
As the military and government work to manage the situation, further updates are anticipated on the efforts to restore stability and address the underlying issues driving the widespread protests.
