- By Nidhi Giri
- Mon, 05 Aug 2024 03:57 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Bangladesh Student Protest: Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina landed in India's northeastern city of Agartala on Monday after she fled the country following her resignation. Bangladesh Army had given an ultimatum of 45 minutes to Prime Minister to resign from her post. She is likely to fly to London via India, as per reports. Meanwhile, a high alert has been sounded at the Indo-Bangladesh border, broadcaster CNN-News18 reported. A military helicopter brought Sheikh Hasina and her younger sister Sheikh Rehana to India. There has been a rising demand for the Bangladesh PM to step down as violent protests raged across the country. -1722856535694.jpg)
Protesters clashed with security forces and supporters of the ruling party. (Reuters Image)
"Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina left the official residence in Dhaka after violence erupted. Her current whereabouts are unknown. The situation in Dhaka is highly sensitive, and the Prime Minister's residence is under siege by a mob," a senior official from the Bangladesh Prime Minister's Office, told news agency ANI.
At least 300 people were killed in Bangladesh in renewed clashes, which began on Sunday, between supporters of the ruling Awami League party and protesters. The violence erupted as part of a non-cooperation program led by Students Against Discrimination, who are protesting against a job quota system.
Bangladesh Unrest Against Job Quota System
In response to the violence, the Bangladeshi government has imposed a nationwide curfew indefinitely starting from 6 PM on Sunday. Authorities have also shut down mobile internet and social media platforms including Facebook, Messenger, WhatsApp, and Instagram.
The government has announced a three-day general holiday from Monday to Wednesday. Bangladesh Railways has suspended all services due to the unrest.
Hundreds have been injured in the clashes, with 14 policemen reported dead and more than 300 injured. The violence follows a previous round of clashes in which over 200 people were killed.-1722856626667.jpg)
Hasina, 76, and her government initially said students were not involved in the violence during the quota protests and blamed the Islamic party, Jamaat-e-Islami, and the main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party for the clashes and arson. (Reuters Image)
Prime Minister Hasina described those involved in the unrest as "terrorists" rather than students, accusing them of engaging in "sabotage" under the guise of protest. She urged citizens to take strong measures against them, stating, “I appeal to the countrymen to suppress these terrorists with a firm hand,” she said.
Bangladesh Protests: India Issues Advisory
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has advised Indian nationals to avoid traveling to Bangladesh and to exercise caution if they are already in the country.
The advisory said, “In view of ongoing developments, Indian nationals are strongly advised against travelling to Bangladesh till further notice. All Indian nationals presently in Bangladesh are advised to exercise extreme caution, restrict their movements and remain in contact with the High Commission of India in Dhaka through their emergency phone numbers: +8801958383679 +8801958383680 +8801937400591.”
UN Human Rights Chief Volker Turk has condemned the violence and called on the Bangladeshi government to protect the rights of peaceful protesters.
“The shocking violence in Bangladesh must stop,” Turk said in a statement.
