Meanwhile, soldiers are patrolling cities across the country with an indefinite curfew imposed and a communications blackout drastically restricting the flow of information to the outside world.
Police authorities in Bangladesh have confirmed that more than 500 people, including some opposition leaders, have been arrested in the country’s capital, Dhaka, over days of violence triggered by nationwide protests against job quotas announced by the government.
AFP quoted Dhaka Metropolitan Police spokesman, Faruk Hossain, as saying, “At least 532 people have been arrested over the violence.”
The police spokesman added, “They include some BNP leaders,” referring to the opposition Bangladesh National Party.
No fewer than 39 people were reportedly killed last week in the protest that resulted in a clash between the protesters and the police and soldiers deployed by the government.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh’s top court has scaled back the controversial job-quota system in a partial victory for student protesters after a week of deadly protests.
However, student leaders have vowed to sustain the protests until all those arrested and detained are freed and the officials who ordered the deadly crackdown resign.
The student leaders have therefore called for a nationwide shutdown on Monday.
Meanwhile, soldiers are patrolling cities across the country with an indefinite curfew imposed and a communications blackout drastically restricting the flow of information to the outside world.
Apart from the figure released last week, currently, the death toll from the violent unrest is unclear, but news reports suggest that more than 100 people have been killed, most of whom are protesters.
The Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government reportedly condemned opposition politicians for “creating anarchy”, with at least 70 arrests made among the Bangladesh Nationalist Party.
As the crisis escalates, Germany’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has reportedly issued a travel advisory to German nationals.
The ministry in a statement said “travel to Bangladesh is currently not recommended”, as it noted the death toll of more than 100 and highlighted the communications shutdown throughout the South Asian country.
The ministry said, “Further restrictions and deterioration of the situation are to be expected,” and those in Bangladesh should “be sure to follow the current curfew and stay in a safe place.”
The ministry added, “Take advantage of any relaxation of the curfew to stock up on supplies for several days. Avoid demonstrations and large gatherings of people as much as possible.”
Also, India’s Ministry of External Affairs has said that about 4,500 of its nationals have arrived home after fleeing the violence in Bangladesh.
The ministry said in a statement that it “has also been coordinating with relevant Indian authorities to ensure a smooth passage for our citizens at land ports and airports,” according to AlJazeera.
The ministry added that 500 students from Nepal, 38 from Bhutan and one from the Maldives have also arrived in India.
It said, “The High Commission and our Assistant High Commissions continue to be in regular touch with local authorities for the safety and security of Indian nationals.”
