Bangladeshi students have suspended their protests for 48 hours. These demonstrations, which turned deadly, were initially against politicized admission quotas for government jobs but have grown into widespread unrest.
The student group leader, Nahid Islam, stated from his hospital bed, “We did not want reforms to come at the cost of so much blood.” Islam, who was injured by undercover police, demanded the government lift the curfew, restore internet access, and stop targeting students during this break.
A curfew has been enforced, soldiers are patrolling cities, and a nationwide internet blackout since Thursday has limited information flow. The protests have resulted in at least 163 deaths, including police officers, and ongoing sporadic violence has led to more injuries.
Dhaka Metropolitan Police have arrested at least 532 people, including opposition leaders, blaming them and the protesters for the chaos. Professor Ali Riaz described the violence as the worst since independence, criticizing the government’s heavy-handed approach.