Bangladesh protests: In view of ongoing developments in the South Asian country, India’s foreign affairs ministry has released an advisory to its nationals. The statement from the ministry advised Indian nationals against travelling to Bangladesh till further notice.

The ministry has also asked all Indian nationals presently in Bangladesh to exercise extreme caution, restrict their movements and remain in contact with the High Commission of India in Dhaka through their emergency phone numbers : +8801958383679, +8801958383680, +8801937400591.

In Bangladesh, what began as a student-led protest against a job quota system weeks ago, has now descended into large-scale protests that caused at least 93 deaths of citizens and police so far, reports from local media said.

Reports coming in that more than 350 people are injured in the violent confrontation between police and protesters.

The opposition and the student protesters are demanding the resignation of Sheikh Hasina, who was elected to the Prime Minister’s office for the fifth term (fourth consecutive) in January after major Opposition parties boycotted the elections.

The Hasina government is maintaining the stand that the organised attempt with full blown violence is being made to overthrow the government.

The government has already announced a nationwide curfew and internet blockade to curb spreading of violence.

Bangladesh Protests: Top 10 points

1. Renewed anti-government protests in Bangladesh on Sunday resulted in dozens of deaths and hundreds of injuries, with protesters demanding Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s resignation amid escalating violence.

2. At least 93 people, including 14 police officers, were reported dead by Prothom Alo, while Channel 24 estimated 72 fatalities, as unrest spread across the nation.

3. The military imposed a new indefinite curfew in Dhaka and other key areas, escalating the government’s response after previous curfews and restrictions failed to quell the protests.

4. The protests, initially led by students against a government job quota system, have grown into a broader movement, with over 200 deaths reported since last month’s demonstrations.

5. Prime Minister Hasina labeled the protesters as “criminals” engaging in sabotage, urging citizens to confront them with “iron hands,” as the unrest continued to grow.

6. The ruling Awami League party accused the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party and banned Jamaat-e-Islami party of hijacking the protests to further their political agenda.

7. In response to the unrest, the government announced a three-day holiday, closed courts indefinitely, and cut off mobile internet access, including blocking Facebook and WhatsApp.

8. Authorities have arrested at least 11,000 people in recent weeks, with schools and universities closed and a shoot-on-sight curfew imposed during peak tensions.

9. Violent clashes were reported in over a dozen districts, with police using bullets, rubber bullets, and teargas against protesters, who retaliated by setting fires and attacking ruling party offices.

10. The protests, sparked by opposition to a job quota system, continue despite partial reforms, reflecting deep dissatisfaction with Hasina’s long-term rule and perceived government repression.