Police in Bangladesh have implemented a strict curfew with a “shoot-on-sight” order following violent clashes over civil service job allocations. Military forces are patrolling parts of the capital to maintain control.
The curfew started at midnight and was briefly relaxed from noon to 2 p.m. for essential errands. It is expected to continue until 10 a.m. Sunday, allowing officers to use force if necessary, according to lawmaker Obaidul Quader, the general secretary of the ruling Awami League party.
Demonstrations, mainly led by student groups, began weeks ago to protest a quota system that reserves government jobs for relatives of 1971 war veterans. The violence escalated, resulting in at least 103 reported deaths, with Friday being the deadliest day so far.
The United States Embassy in Dhaka described the situation as “extremely volatile” with reports of hundreds injured. The Bangladeshi authorities have not disclosed official casualty numbers.
In response to the unrest, authorities imposed a curfew to prevent further violence. Online communications were restricted, several TV channels went off air, and government websites were hacked. Inmates also escaped from a prison in Narsingdi district amid the chaos.
The protests reflect dissatisfaction among Bangladeshi youths over job opportunities and challenge Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s leadership after winning a fourth term in office earlier this year.
Protesters are demanding the reform of the quota system and other changes. Both sides met for discussions late Friday, with the government open to addressing the students’ demands.
The main opposition party has supported the protests but denied involvement in the violence. Political tensions between the ruling Awami League and the opposition BNP have worsened in recent years.
In 2018, the government suspended job quotas following mass demonstrations, but the High Court reinstated them in June. The Supreme Court will review the issue on Sunday.
Hasina has urged protesters to await the court’s decision.