Two dead and dozens injured as thousands protest against prime minister in Bangladesh

New protests erupted in Bangladesh on Friday, resulting in two deaths and over 100 injuries. This latest unrest follows a violent month in which over 200 people were killed during demonstrations against controversial reforms in the job quota system.

More than 2,000 protesters gathered in parts of the capital, Dhaka, rallying against Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government. Chanting slogans like “down with the autocrat,” they demanded justice for the victims. Clashes between police and students erupted in Dhaka's Uttara neighbourhood, with security forces using tear gas and stun grenades to disperse stone-throwing protesters.

In Khulna, a southwestern district, police fired tear gas and rubber bullets, injuring 50 people. According to the Dhaka-based Daily Star, a policeman was killed after being attacked by protesters.

In Habiganj, a northeastern district, an arson attack on a local office of the ruling Awami League party resulted in the death of an electrician and injuries to 50 others. The electrician, who was in town to buy shoes, was hit by a bullet in the head, the newspaper reported.

In Chattogram, a southeastern city, about 1,000 protesters marched after Friday prayers and set a roadside police guard post on fire, according to the report.

What began as peaceful student protests against a government job quota system has evolved into a significant challenge to Hasina’s 15-year rule. The demonstrations show no signs of calming down, signalling an unprecedented rebellion against the prime minister’s long-stand.