• Bangladesh clashes: 90 killed in anti-government protests
• The violence follows a campaign of civil disobedience led by student leaders demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina
• The unrest, initially sparked by a call to abolish quotas in civil service jobs, has evolved into a broader anti-government movement
• The death toll since the protests began in July has now surpassed 280
• A nationwide curfew has been enforced from 18:00 local time

Bangladesh clashes: 90 killed in anti-government protests

At least 90 people were killed in Bangladesh on Sunday during escalating clashes between police and anti-government protesters. The violence follows a campaign of civil disobedience led by student leaders demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

The unrest, initially sparked by a call to abolish quotas in civil service jobs, has evolved into a broader anti-government movement. In one of the deadliest incidents, 13 police officers were killed when thousands attacked a police station in Sirajganj district. Both police and some government supporters were reported to have used live ammunition against the protesters, along with tear gas and rubber bullets.

The death toll since the protests began in July has now surpassed 280. A nationwide curfew has been enforced from 18:00 local time (12:00 GMT).

UN human rights chief Volker Türk condemned the “shocking violence” and called for restraint from all sides, expressing concern about a planned mass march in Dhaka on Monday. He urged the government to stop targeting peaceful protesters, release arbitrarily detained individuals, restore full internet access, and engage in meaningful dialogue.

Despite the calls for her resignation, Prime Minister Hasina remained defiant. After a meeting with security chiefs, she labelled the protesters as “terrorists” intent on destabilising the nation.