Bangladesh has raised its security alert nationwide amidst escalating clashes between students and police. The capital, Dhaka, is experiencing a severe internet blackout and disrupted phone services. On Thursday evening, thousands of protestors stormed the state broadcaster BTV, causing extensive damage and setting parts of the building on fire. The Information Minister confirmed that broadcasts were halted and most staff evacuated. A distress call on BTV’s Facebook page reported trapped personnel and sought assistance from the fire service.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina appeared on BTV to appeal for calm following violent protests resulting in at least 19 deaths and hundreds injured. Students are protesting against a quota system favoring veterans’ relatives for public sector jobs, arguing for merit-based recruitment. The government’s efforts to contain the protests included a mobile internet shutdown, but instead, Thursday became the deadliest day yet, with reports of 32 deaths.
Protest organizers rejected government dialogue offers, condemning the deaths as “murder.” Despite the Prime Minister’s call for peace, protesters allege continued violence by pro-government groups and police. Thursday’s confrontations involved tear gas, rubber bullets, and human blockades by students. The storming of BTV followed an earlier attack on a police station, escalating tensions further across the city.
Medical students sheltered at a college reported attacks by pro-government groups, highlighting the intensifying unrest gripping Bangladesh amid demands for systemic change and an end to violence.
