Bangladesh protests: Curfew imposed as 105 killed; over 400 Indians evacuated | Top updates
Recent protests in Bangladesh have escalated into a severe crisis, prompting the government to impose a curfew after 105 people were killed. The violence began over the weekend during demonstrations led by the main opposition party, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), demanding Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s resignation and the formation of a caretaker government ahead of the January 2024 elections (Amnesty International) (Human Rights Watch).
The clashes between protesters and law enforcement resulted in numerous fatalities and injuries. Reports indicate that the police used excessive force, including rubber bullets and tear gas, to disperse the crowds. These actions have been widely criticized by international human rights organizations, which have called for de-escalation and respect for the rights of peaceful assembly (Amnesty International) (Human Rights Watch).
Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have highlighted the alarming use of excessive force by the police, including the use of rubber bullets and water cannons against protesters. Amnesty International’s Interim Regional Director for South Asia, Smriti Singh, emphasized the need for the Bangladeshi authorities to defuse the situation and ensure that law enforcement agencies adhere to international standards when handling assemblies (Amnesty International) (Amnesty International).
In response to the protests and ensuing violence, the government has arrested numerous opposition leaders and activists. Reports suggest that over 1,500 named individuals and more than 15,000 unnamed people have been targeted in these crackdowns, which appear to be a strategy to intimidate and suppress political dissent (Human Rights Watch) (Amnesty International).
The curfew was imposed as a measure to control the violence and restore order. However, this decision has drawn further criticism from human rights groups, who argue that such measures only exacerbate the situation and infringe on people’s rights to peaceful protest and free expression (Human Rights Watch).
The international community, including the European Union, has expressed concern over the escalating violence and its potential impact on the upcoming elections. There are calls for the Bangladeshi government to ensure free and fair elections, with specific emphasis on creating a conducive pre-election environment that allows for political debate and media freedom (Amnesty International).
The situation remains tense, with ongoing protests and a significant number of casualties. The evacuation of over 400 Indians from Bangladesh highlights the gravity of the crisis, as neighboring countries also monitor the developments closely (Amnesty International) (Human Rights Watch).
The repeated cycle of violence, arrests, and repression during protests in Bangladesh underscores the urgent need for the authorities to adopt a more restrained and rights-respecting approach. The government must prioritize de-escalation and address the root causes of the unrest to prevent further deterioration of the human rights situation in the country (Amnesty International).
In response to the escalating violence, the Bangladeshi government imposed a curfew in an attempt to restore order. Additionally, over 1,500 named opposition leaders and activists, along with more than 15,000 unnamed individuals, have been targeted in police crackdowns. This strategy appears to be aimed at suppressing political dissent and intimidating opposition supporters (Human Rights Watch) (Amnesty International).