Bangladesh death toll surges to 300 amid escalating anti-government protests

The death toll from ongoing clashes in Bangladesh has risen to at least 300 people, following the deadliest day in weeks of anti-government demonstrations.

According to a tally based on reports from police, officials, and hospital doctors, 94 individuals died on August 4 alone, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

Protests, which initially started last month over civil service job quotas, have escalated into widespread unrest demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The demonstrations, which have now been ongoing since July, have become some of the most violent during Hasina’s 15-year tenure.

Sunday saw intense confrontations between protesters and government supporters, with clashes resulting in at least 94 fatalities, including 14 police officers. The violence involved both sides wielding sticks and knives, while security forces responded with rifle fire. In one notable incident, protesters attacked a police station in the northeastern town of Enayetpur, resulting in the deaths of 11 policemen. Deputy Inspector General Bijoy Basak described the incident as a terrorist attack.

As protests are set to resume on Monday, heavy deployments of soldiers and police are in place in the capital, Dhaka. Security forces are patrolling key roads and setting up barricades around critical areas, including the prime minister’s office, in an effort to control the situation.