‘Step Down Hasina’: As millions take to the streets in Bangladesh, at least 91 feared dead

Bangladesh descended into chaos on Sunday as millions of protesters from big cities to small villages and belonging all walks of life demand the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina – even as ruling party affiliates and the security forces cracked down on the demonstrations.

The nationwide civil disobedience campaign led to widespread violence that resulted the deaths of at least 91 persons on Sunday. Fatalities were reported from several districts including Dhaka. Many are fighting death with severe gunshot wounds in hospitals.

In Sirajganj in the north, at least 13 police personnel of the Enayetpur Police Station were killed as criminals attacked the station, officials said.

Yet, the protesters are not backing down from their “one point, one demand”. In response, the Bangladesh government has again imposed a curfew in all major cities and towns, effective from 6 pm local time.

Meanwhile, to quell public disapproval, the government through an executive order announced a three-day public holiday starting Monday.

The authorities have ordered mobile operators to shut down cellular internet services.

The hashtag #StepDownHasina is now trending on X (formerly Twitter) with over a lakh posts expressing displeasure of the government. The protests also resounded on Facebook.

On Sunday morning, Asif Mahmud, one of the key protest leaders, urged supporters to prepare for battle. “Prepare bamboo...

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