Bangladesh Protests Intensify: Internet Shut Down Amid Student-led ‘Long March to Dhaka’

New Delhi: The situation in Bangladesh has escalated dramatically as nationwide protests continue. On August 5, thousands of students initiated a “Long March to Dhaka,” demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The move follows a day of intense violence that resulted in the deaths of nearly 100 people. The protests have now claimed at least 300 lives in total, with recent clashes between demonstrators and government supporters proving particularly deadly.

The unrest has also targeted minority communities, with reports indicating that Hindu councillors Haradhan Roy and Kajal Roy were among those killed in the violence. Additionally, several Hindu temples, including ISKCON and Kali temples, have been vandalized, forcing devotees to seek refuge.

In response to the escalating violence, the Bangladeshi government has imposed a curfew and declared a three-day closure of non-essential establishments, though essential services like hospitals, water, gas, and electricity remain operational. The internet has been shut down indefinitely to prevent the spread of information and further agitation.

As students continue their march towards Dhaka, police forces have been deploying tear gas shells to disperse crowds. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has advised its nationals against traveling to Bangladesh and has urged those already in the country to exercise extreme caution and remain in contact with the Indian High Commission in Dhaka.

The situation remains tense, with further protests anticipated and heavy police and military presence in the capital to manage the unrest.

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