BANGLADESH UNREST: Government Declares Nationwide Mourning After Student Protests Leave 150 Dead
The Bangladesh government has officially confirmed that 150 people were killed during the recent student unrest over the quota system. This announcement was made by Cabinet Secretary Mahbub Hossain after a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
The government has declared a nationwide mourning to be observed, urging people to wear black badges to mourn the deaths. Mosques, temples, pagodas, and churches across the country will also offer prayers for the departed souls and the wounded.
The student protests, which started earlier this month, turned into a widespread agitation against the government, leaving several thousand people, including policemen, wounded and major government installations damaged.
The Home Minister presented a report confirming 150 deaths in clashes across the country. The military and paramilitary troops are patrolling the streets of Dhaka, while police in riot gear are enforcing a strict vigil.
A faction of protesting students has called for a new round of protests, claiming their leaders were forced to announce the withdrawal of demonstrations under duress in police custody. However, other student leaders have announced the withdrawal of street demonstrations, saying their demand for reforms in the quota system has been met.
The government has mobilized forces to prevent fresh violence, and security forces are guarding major points in the capital. The protests subsided after the Supreme Court ordered a massive quota reform, keeping only seven percent of reserve posts instead of the existing 56 percent.
The government has ignored an ultimatum to release student leaders and apologize for those killed in the unrest. Groups of youths held scattered street protests but were quickly chased away by police.
The economic impact of the unrest has been significant, with estimates suggesting a loss of around USD 10 billion. The garment industries alone incurred losses of Bangladeshi Taka 6,4000,000 (USD 5,45,167).
