Bangladesh Imposes 'Shoot-on-Sight' Orders Amid Deadly Protests

 Bangladesh Police Given ‘Shoot-on-Sight’ Orders Amid National Curfew

Bangladesh is facing severe unrest as student-led protests have prompted authorities to impose a nationwide curfew and grant police “shoot-on-sight” orders. The turmoil has resulted in over 100 fatalities, with more than a thousand injured.

The curfew, enforced from midnight on Friday until Sunday morning, aims to control the escalating violence, with military personnel patrolling Dhaka’s streets. Briefly lifted on Saturday afternoon for essential errands, the curfew otherwise mandates that citizens remain indoors, with all gatherings and demonstrations banned. Additionally, a communications blackout has been in place since Thursday night, cutting off internet and social media access.

Obaidul Quader, general secretary of the ruling Awami League party, confirmed that police have been authorized to open fire on curfew violators. The unrest began as university students protested against the reintroduction of civil service job quotas, which they claim are discriminatory and favor the Awami League, led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

The protests have since evolved into a broader movement against Hasina's government, which has been accused of authoritarianism, police brutality, and corruption. Hasina’s re-election in January was boycotted by the opposition and widely regarded as rigged. The economic downturn since the Covid outbreak has exacerbated public discontent, with millions facing unemployment and record inflation.

Shafkat Mahmud, a 28-year-old student protester from Dhaka, described the situation as akin to “civil war.” He recounted the escalation from rubber bullets to live ammunition and attacks by pro-government supporters wielding machetes and guns. “Our fight initially was about quotas, but after witnessing the police brutality, it’s now about change,” he stated.

Friday was reported as the deadliest day of the protests, with at least 40 people killed. Protesters stormed the state-run broadcaster, set it ablaze, and broke into a central prison, freeing hundreds of prisoners. Late-night talks between representatives of both sides aimed at reaching a resolution, with student leaders demanding complete reform of the quota system and the reopening of universities. Law and Justice Minister Anisul Huq indicated the government’s willingness to discuss their demands.

The situation in Bangladesh remains tense as the government struggles to restore order and address the protesters' grievances.