A nationwide internet and mobile services shutdown has been imposed in Bangladesh on Friday amid ongoing violent protests over government job allocations. Local media reports indicate that at least 28 people have been killed this week in the unrest, PTI reported.
Internet and mobile data services were disrupted in Dhaka on Friday morning, with social media platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp inaccessible. Student protesters have announced plans to continue their shutdown efforts and have called on mosques nationwide to hold funeral prayers for the deceased.
The internet blackout followed heightened violence on Thursday when students attempted to impose a “complete shutdown” across the country. Reports of casualties increased, and protesters attacked the headquarters of state-run Bangladesh Television, breaching the main gate and setting vehicles and the reception area on fire, according to an anonymous news producer and reporter.
The protests, which began several weeks ago, intensified sharply on Monday, marking the largest demonstrations since Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s re-election for a fourth consecutive term in January. The election was boycotted by major opposition parties.
“I escaped by leaping over the wall but some of my colleagues got stuck inside. The attackers entered the building and set furniture on fire,” the producer said. Despite the attack, the station continued broadcasting, although some residents of Dhaka reported issues receiving the signal.
At least 22 people were reported killed on Thursday, following six deaths earlier in the week. Authorities have not yet confirmed these figures.
The protests are focused on ending a quota system that reserves up to 30% of government jobs for the relatives of veterans from Bangladesh’s 1971 war of independence. Protesters argue that the system is discriminatory and benefits supporters of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her Awami League party, which led the independence movement. They are calling for a merit-based system instead.
In response, Hasina’s party has accused opposition groups of inciting violence, leading to raids on the headquarters of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and arrests of BNP student activists. The BNP is expected to organize demonstrations in support of the protesting students.
Hasina’s government had previously suspended the job quotas following mass student protests in 2018. However, last month, the High Court reinstated the quotas after petitions from veterans’ relatives, prompting the recent demonstrations. The Supreme Court has suspended this ruling pending an appeal and plans to address the issue on Sunday.