Violent clashes prompt curfew and military deployment in Bangladesh

Bangladesh has announced a curfew and the deployment of military forces following police failures to control days of violent unrest spreading across the country.

This week's clashes between student protesters and police have resulted in at least 105 deaths, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign news sources.

These events present a significant challenge to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's government after 15 years in power. Local police have not provided an official casualty count.

"The government has decided to impose a curfew and deploy the military to assist civilian authorities," announced Hasina's press secretary, Nayeemul Islam Khan, to AFP. He stated that the curfew would be effective immediately.

Earlier, Dhaka police took the unprecedented step of banning all public gatherings in the capital for the day in an attempt to prevent further violence. "We've banned all rallies, processions, and public gatherings in Dhaka today," said police chief Habibur Rahman, citing the need to ensure "public safety." Despite this ban and an internet shutdown intended to disrupt protest organization, confrontations between police and protesters continued around the city of 20 million people.

The protests initially erupted due to student anger over quotas reserving 30 per cent of government jobs for families of those who fought for independence from Pakistan. The unrest has been exacerbated by high unemployment among young people, who constitute nearly a fifth of the population of 170 million. Some analysts believe broader economic issues, including high inflation and decreasing foreign exchange reserves also drive the violence.