Bangladesh protest: Student agitators call ‘March to Dhaka’ a day after 99 die in clashes

A day after 99 people were killed in clashes, another day of tension awaits Bangladesh as protesters have urged the general public to join a "Long March to Dhaka" on Monday (August 5).

Clashes broke out on Sunday morning when protesters attending the non-cooperation programme under the banner of the Students Against Discrimination, with the one-point demand of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's resignation over a job quota system, faced opposition from the supporters of the ruling Awami League, Chhatra League, and Jubo League activists.

At least 99 people, including 14 policemen, were killed in clashes on Sunday, leading Bengali-language newspaper Prothom Alo reported.

The violence forced authorities to cut off mobile internet and enforce a nationwide curfew for an indefinite period.

Students reschedule rally to Dhaka

The Anti-Discrimination Student Movement has rescheduled its "Long March to Dhaka" to be held on Monday, a day earlier than initially planned.

The decision was taken during an urgent meeting amid growing concerns in the country, Asif Mahmud, a coordinator of the movement, said in a press release issued on Sunday night.

“In an urgent decision to review the situation, our 'March to Dhaka' program has been changed from August 6 to August 5. In other words, we are calling on students from all over the country to travel to Dhaka tomorrow (Monday),” he said.

“The final battle has come. It is time to make the final signature of this student citizen uprising. Come to Dhaka to be a part of history. Students will create a new Bangladesh,” Asif added, asking the general public to join it.

The Awami League's planned mourning procession on Monday has been cancelled due to a curfew.

India advises nationals to exercise ‘extreme caution’

India on Sunday night strongly advised all its nationals presently residing in Bangladesh to exercise "extreme caution" and restrict their movements in the country.

In its latest advisory, India also asked its citizens not to travel to Bangladesh till further notice.

"In view of ongoing developments, Indian nationals are strongly advised against travelling to Bangladesh till further notice," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in the advisory.

"All Indian nationals presently in Bangladesh are advised to exercise extreme caution, restrict their movements and remain in contact with the High Commission of India in Dhaka," it said.

Teachers propose ‘interim government’

Meanwhile, the University Teachers’ Network has proposed to form an interim government immediately consisting of people of different sections and professions.

According to the proposal, Hasina will have to hand over power to the interim government.

The teachers’ network held a press conference titled ‘Proposal of an outline for transition to a democratic Bangladesh free of discrimination’ at the Sagar-Runi Auditorium of Dhaka Reporters’ Unity Sunday.

The clashes on Sunday erupted days after over 200 people were killed in violent clashes between the police and mostly student protesters demanding an end to the controversial quota system that reserved 30 per cent of government jobs for relatives of veterans who fought in Bangladesh's War of Independence in 1971. Since then, more than 11,000 people have been arrested.

Awami League offices, houses under attack

Officials claimed that Sunday's protests were joined by unidentified people and activists of right-wing Islami Shashontantra Andolon, which erected barricades on several major highways and within the capital city.

Houses of public representatives, Awami League offices, police stations and other government installations were attacked, vandalised and torched in 39 districts on Sunday.

The situation prompted authorities to order a curfew in major cities and small towns across Bangladesh for an indefinite period from 6 PM Sunday, mobilising troops, paramilitary border guards BGB, and the elite anti-crime Rapid Action Battalion alongside police.

The government ordered the shutdown of Meta platforms Facebook, Messenger, WhatsApp and Instagram. The mobile operators were ordered to shut down 4G mobile internet Prime Minister Hasina on Saturday offered to sit for talks with the coordinators of the movement. However, they rejected her proposal.

The government leaders earlier claimed that the “peaceful campaign” was hijacked by fundamentalist Jamaat-e-Islami and their student front Islami Chhatra Shibir being backed by ex-premier Khaleda Zia’s BNP.

(With inputs from agencies)