Bangladesh announces ‘public-holiday’ after ‘shoot-on-sight’ curfew: Here is what happened today

The curfew was briefly lifted this afternoon to allow people to run essential errands, but otherwise, residents have been ordered to stay at home, and all gatherings and demonstrations have been banned with military personnel patrolling the streets of the capital Dhaka. The government has also imposed a communications blackout, blocking all internet and social media access since Thursday night.

Even on Saturday, at least four people died, according to hospital data, during sporadic clashes in some areas of Dhaka, which has been the centre of the protests.

A demonstrator gestures as protesters clash with Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and the police outside the state-owned Bangladesh Television as violence erupts across the country after anti-quota protests by students, in Dhaka, Bangladesh, July 19, 2024. (REUTERS)

Local media estimate that thousands have been injured and that the death toll has reached 115, although the government has not released official statistics. In extreme cases, police officers have been granted the power to open fire on those violating the curfew, confirmed Obaidul Quader, the general secretary of the ruling Awami League party as per a report by Reuters.

The internet shutdown meant many people could not top up their electricity meters, leaving them without power. Those venturing out in Dhaka had their identification cards inspected by army personnel at checkpoints. TV footage revealed that troops had established roadblocks and bunkers using sandbags at key locations throughout the city. Armed soldiers were seen surveying roads covered in stones and debris, with shops remaining shuttered. Trees and barricades had been uprooted from streets, where charred vehicles were abandoned. During a brief curfew relaxation, young men were seen playing football on a deserted road. Authorities had earlier closed universities and colleges from Wednesday.

In the central district of Narsingdi, protesters stormed a jail on Friday, freeing over 850 inmates and setting the facility on fire, according to TV reports. On Saturday, scattered arson incidents were also reported in various parts of the country. Tarique Rahman, the exiled acting chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, noted that many opposition leaders, activists, and student protesters had been arrested. He reported that Nahid Islam, a prominent student coordinator, was detained by police at 2 a.m. on Saturday.

The clashes have injured thousands, according to hospitals across Bangladesh. During the week police fired tear gas, rubber bullets and hurled sound grenades to scatter protesters throwing bricks and setting fire to vehicles.

A police officer fires tear gas during a clash with Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and Police in front of the state owned Bangladesh Television as violence errupt across the country after anti-quota protest by students, in Dhaka, Bangladesh, July 19, 2024. (REUTERS)

The protests, which began earlier this month on university campuses, were initially against the reintroduction of civil service job quotas, seen as discriminatory and benefiting the Awami League, led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. However, the protests have now spread far beyond campuses and grown into a larger movement against Hasina’s government, accused of authoritarianism, police brutality, and corruption.

The mega-rescue

On Saturday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) reported that nearly 1,000 Indian students have returned to India from Bangladesh, either through various land transit points or by flight.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar assured that the MEA is fully focused on the safety and well-being of Indian nationals in Bangladesh. Indian missions in Bangladesh are maintaining regular contact with local authorities to ensure the security of Indian students.

According to the MEA, 778 Indian students have returned through various land ports, and around 200 students have come back via regular flights from Dhaka and Chittagong airports.

Later, in the day 11 students, including five Nepalese, crossed at the Fulbari border outpost near Siliguri. Six Indian students returned via the Mekhliganj border gate in Cooch Behar district. Afterwards in evening, 379 Indian students, studying in Bangladesh today reached Tripura, BSF officials confirmed on X.

Jaishankar expressed appreciation for the concern shown by families and well-wishers, emphasizing that the MEA is committed to ensuring the safety of its nationals. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal mentioned that there are approximately 15,000 Indian nationals in Bangladesh.

The Border Security Force (BSF) welcomed the students fleeing the tension in Bangladesh. (Express Photo)

The Indian High Commission in Dhaka and Assistant High Commissions in Chittagong, Rajshahi, Sylhet, and Khulna are actively assisting with the return of Indian nationals. The MEA is coordinating with civil aviation, immigration, land ports, and the Border Security Force (BSF) to facilitate smooth travel for returning citizens.

Additionally, the MEA is in touch with over 4,000 students who remain in Bangladesh, providing necessary support. Assistance has also been extended to students from Nepal and Bhutan crossing into India. Security escorts are being arranged for road travel where needed, and the High Commission is working with Bangladeshi civil aviation authorities and airlines to ensure uninterrupted flight services.

Meanwhile, US State Department said on Saturday it has raised Bangladesh’s travel advisory to level three, urging people to reconsider travel to the country due to “civil unrest” amid ongoing protests.

The State Department advised travelers to reconsider their visit due to the unrest in Dhaka and other parts of Bangladesh. It also noted that routine consular services may be delayed and that US Embassy personnel face movement and travel restrictions, which could impact their ability to provide emergency services. Both the US and Canada have called on Bangladesh to uphold the right to peaceful protest and have expressed concern over the recent violence.

Members of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) stand guard in front of the state-owned Bangladesh Television, next to a burned auto-rickshaw, as violence erupts across the country after anti-quota protests by students, in Dhaka, Bangladesh, July 19, 2024. (REUTERS)

The unrest has seen pro-government student groups attack protesters, police accused of instigating violence, and demonstrators invading the state-run broadcaster and setting it on fire. They also broke into a central prison on Friday, freeing hundreds of prisoners. Friday was the deadliest day so far, with at least 40 people reportedly killed as police fired live ammunition at demonstrators.

Representatives from both sides met late Friday to attempt a resolution, with student leaders demanding a complete reform of the quota system and the reopening of universities. The law and justice minister, Anisul Huq, stated that the government was open to discussing their demands.

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