Imposition of Curfew Regulations in Bangladesh Amidst Escalating Student Protests

Amid the imposition of curfew regulations to suppress student protests in Bangladesh, the deserted streets of Dhaka, the capital of the country, are patrolled by the Bangladeshi army. Despite these regulations, the cutting off of internet access and mobile services since last Thursday, and the widespread repression of protesters, the demonstrations continue. According to data from hospitals across Bangladesh, at least 105 people have been killed and thousands injured in violent clashes during these protests. Dhaka Medical College Hospital reported that it received 17 bodies just by 5 PM on Friday, July 29. The protests in Bangladesh began a few days ago, led by students against the allocation of job quotas to veterans. Protesters are calling for an end to the quota system that allocates up to 30% of government jobs to relatives of veterans who participated in the Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971. However, some experts believe that these protests have now transcended the issue of university quotas and government jobs, reflecting widespread dissatisfaction with the economic crisis, high inflation rates, 20% youth unemployment, and severe government budget deficits. Reuters reported on Friday that police used tear gas to disperse protesters, and fires have been observed in several areas of Dhaka. Protests in Bangladesh and their suppression continue; the death toll is rising. Bangladeshi newspapers have reported that many roads have been blocked by protesters, and train traffic on the national railway network has also been halted. The newspaper 'Prothom Alo' published in Dhaka reported that on Thursday, during street protests in 47 out of 64 districts (according to Bangladesh's administrative divisions), at least 27 people were killed and about 1,500 injured. Reuters states that it cannot independently verify these figures, and the police and government of Bangladesh have not commented on this matter yet. Human rights organizations have criticized the cutting off of communication networks and the actions of Bangladeshi security forces. The European Union has also expressed concern over the violence and deaths of people in these incidents. The severe government crackdown and the risk of protests going 'underground' are highlighted by what doctors and eyewitnesses recount about the injured in the protests.