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DHAKA – Violent confrontations broke out across Bangladesh on Friday as thousands of demonstrators flooded the streets, calling for Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to step down. At least 20 people were injured as police deployed rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse crowds in the capital and other parts of the country.
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The protests, organized by Students Against Discrimination, came despite heavy monsoon rains and followed the release of six prominent activists from detention on Thursday. The group had spearheaded demonstrations last month, which were met with a harsh government crackdown.
“We demand justice for our fallen comrades,” a Students Against Discrimination leader stated, echoing chants heard outside Dhaka’s Baitul Mukarram Mosque.
While the release of detained activists signaled a potential attempt to ease tensions, protesters maintain several unmet demands. These include a public apology from Hasina for the violence, dismissal of certain ministers, and the reopening of educational institutions nationwide.
Many demonstrators are pushing for more drastic action. “Hasina must resign,” said writer and activist Arup Rahee at a Dhaka rally. “Justice for the student killings is impossible while she remains in power.”
Reports indicate that authorities have again restricted access to social media platforms, which were crucial in organizing previous protests. An unnamed telecom official confirmed receiving instructions to block Facebook.
Hasina, 76, has led Bangladesh since 2009. Her government faces accusations from rights groups of suppressing dissent and misusing state institutions to maintain power.
The recent unrest is fueled in part by high youth unemployment, with government figures showing approximately 18 million young Bangladeshis out of work. Critics argue that the country’s quota system for public jobs favors ruling party loyalists.
Last month’s initially peaceful demonstrations escalated after police and pro-government groups allegedly attacked protesters. The government responded by imposing a nationwide curfew, deploying troops, and shutting down mobile internet for 11 days.
European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell has condemned the police response, citing “excessive and lethal force against protesters,” and called for an independent investigation into law enforcement conduct.
As tensions remain high, the situation in Bangladesh continues to evolve, with both protesters and the government showing little sign of backing down.
