Calls for the Resignation of the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Protests Turn Violent Again

Thousands gathered on Saturday, August 13, in Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, in a peaceful protest demanding justice for over 200 students and others killed in last month's protests. The protesters, now extending beyond students to various sectors of society, chanted anti-government slogans calling for the resignation of the Prime Minister. Several pro-government groups also gathered in the capital. The main Bengali newspaper 'Prothom Alo' reported that at least seven protesters were shot after pro-ruling party groups blocked a road in Comilla in eastern Bangladesh and opened fire on them. The newspaper stated that at least 30 protesters were injured during the violence. However, a local leader of the ruling party denied allegations regarding their supporters attacking the protesters. Reports of protests turning violent in other parts of the country have also emerged. Last month's student protests began with demands to end the 'discriminatory' quota system for government jobs. The protests started peacefully but turned violent when students from Dhaka University clashed with police and activists from the ruling Awami League's student branch on July 16. Since then, over 200 people have been killed and thousands more injured. A few days later, the country's Supreme Court reduced the quota for families of war veterans from 30% to 5%, but the protests were focused on the violence inflicted. Authorities closed schools and universities, shut down the internet, and imposed martial law. At least 11,000 people have been arrested in recent weeks, and although internet access has been restored and banks and offices reopened, tensions remain high. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has called for dialogue with student leaders, but one of the protest organizers rejected her request in a Facebook post.