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The total death toll in violence-hit Bangladesh has risen to at least 300 as clashes between security forces and protesters have escalated. This includes the deaths of 94 individuals who were killed in a fresh wave of protests that erupted on Sunday, according to AFP and local news media.
The government has imposed a new curfew and internet restrictions in an attempt to quell the growing anti-government movement, which has plunged the country of over 170 million into a particularly dangerous phase.
Furthermore, protesters have announced their intention to march towards Prime Minister Hasina's official residence on Monday, demanding her resignation.
During a gathering with her top security personnel, Hasina labelled those responsible for the violence as "terrorists" and urged the nation's citizens to "curb anarchists with an iron hand," according to Bangladesh's state news agency. The tensions have escalated into scattered confrontations across the country, which appear challenging to control.
The demonstrations, which originated as a peaceful student movement opposing a preferential quota system for government jobs, have evolved into unprecedented fury aimed at Hasina's increasing autocracy and her handling of the economy. Despite a crackdown that involved the arrest of more than 10,000 individuals and police cases against tens of thousands more, the protests have regained full momentum since Friday.
The protesters' outrage over the significant number of fatalities has strengthened their demands, with tens of thousands rallying on Saturday to call for Hasina's resignation after her 15-year tenure in power.
Here are the top developments in the Bangladesh protest:
Protesters plan 'Long march to Dhaka'
Anti-government protesters planned to hold a march to Dhaka, the nation's capital, on Monday following a weekend marked by deadly clashes.
At least 94 killed in fresh wave of violence
On Sunday, the nation's capital witnessed deadly clashes that claimed the lives of at least 94 individuals, according to Prothom Alo, the country's foremost Bengali-language daily newspaper. Among the casualties were at least 14 members of the police force. The violent incidents also left hundreds of people wounded.
Military imposes curfew in Dhaka and key regions amid unrest
The military imposed a curfew on Sunday evening that encompassed Dhaka along with other key divisional and district centres. Prior to this, the government had already imposed a curfew with certain exemptions in the capital city and other locations.
Government declares three-day holiday
The government declared a three-day holiday, spanning from Monday to Wednesday, in addition to the other measures taken. Furthermore, an indefinite closure of courts has been put into effect.
Bangladesh imposes internet blackout
Telecommunications have also been impacted, with mobile internet services suspended and popular social media and messaging platforms, including WhatsApp, Facebook, Messenger, and Instagram, becoming inaccessible to users.
PM Hasina condemns rioters as criminals
Prime Minister Hasina stated that those involved in "sabotage" and destruction during the protests were not students but criminals. She urged the public to take a firm stance against them.
Barbed wire barriers set up near Hasina's office
Security forces, including military personnel and law enforcement officers, have set up barriers using barbed wire along the streets leading to Prime Minister
Sheikh Hasina
's office in the capital city.
India issues travel advisory for its citizens
Meanwhile, the Indian government has issued a travel advisory, urging its citizens to refrain from visiting Bangladesh for the time being. This decision comes in light of the current unrest and instability in the country.
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