Bangladesh Enforces Shocking Curfew With ‘Shoot-On-Sight’ Order Amid Deadly And Violent Protests
Protests began in Bangladesh after the reinstatement of a quota system for government jobs resulted in violent and deadly uprisings.
According to the 'Associated Press,' 23 people were slain at Dhaka Medical College out of 43 people killed during the protests — although it's unclear whether they died on Friday, the most deadliest day reported so far, per Somoy TV.
On Thursday, 22 others were reported dead as students allegedly attempted to "completely shut down" the country, per 'PBS.'
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Police in Bangladesh have been given permission to "shoot-on-sight" as a nationwide curfew has been implemented and student protests continue to take over the country. The curfew was expected to last from Friday through Sunday in order to reestablish order, however, it was briefly lifted Saturday for people to run errands.
The government has urged everyone to stay home, as all public gatherings and demonstrations have been banned. In addition to the end of public gatherings, the government also imposed a communications blackout — blocking all internet and social media access since Thursday.
According to the news outlet, "extreme circumstances" will allow police officers to open fire on anyone who is caught breaking the curfew rules, as confirmed by Obaidul Quader, the general secretary of the ruling Awami League party.
The outlet reported that student protester Shafkat Mahmud described the uprising as "no longer just a protest" but has now become akin to "civil war" as nationwide unrest continues. Although no exact number for the death toll has been publicly declared, their local media has estimated that thousands have been injured and that deaths may have hit 115.
Mahmud alleged that after the shut down of the internet, rubber bullets were swapped for live ammunition. He detailed that he and his friends were attacked by pro-government supporters who carried guns and machetes and saw buses carrying away those who died in the uprising.
"Since the government's forces have been violently attacking us, our families have joined us in protests," Mahmud said, per the news outlet. "Our fight initially was about quotas but after witnessing the brutality and cruelty with which the police attacked the protesters, it's now about change. We are marching for this government to step down."
Law and justice manager Anisul Huq alleged on Friday night that the government was open to discussing their demands, per 'The Guardian.'
