Police in Bangladesh fired live ammunition at protesters in the capital, Dhaka, today, Saturday, as the army was deployed in large numbers throughout the country following another day of violent clashes. Violence this week, amid student movements and demonstrations, has led to the deaths of at least 133 people. The protests pose a significant challenge to the government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who has been in power for 15 years, forcing her to cancel her overseas trips.
At least one person was injured in the Rambharu neighborhood on Saturday, where thousands of protesters defied a curfew imposed by the government that took effect at midnight Friday-Saturday. The army was heavily deployed today in various cities of Bangladesh at Sheikh Hasina's request after the police failed to control the situation.
According to the Bangladesh police, as a result of the riots that erupted in various parts of the country, protesters set fire to government buildings and public and private properties following violent clashes between students and police. Authorities imposed a curfew in the streets, and the police used tear gas against demonstrators. Armored vehicles were introduced in several areas, and mobile internet services were suspended.
