Bangladeshi riot police fired live ammunition at demonstrators in Dhaka, resulting in a devastating death toll of at least 115 this week. The situation escalated as the army was deployed nationwide to quell ongoing protests sparked by student-led movements against government policies. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who has been in power for 15 years, canceled international trips amid rising tensions and violence, illustrating the government's struggle to maintain control amid widespread dissent.
The protests, which have been occurring almost daily since July, reflect deep-seated frustrations over hiring quotas in the civil service and a lack of competitive elections in over 15 years. Rights groups accuse the government of using state institutions to suppress opposition, leading to calls for Sheikh Hasina's resignation. As the violence continues, many are left without viable alternatives to express their discontent, turning to the streets in a desperate plea for change.
