Over 500 arrested amid violent protests in Bangladesh

Foreign media reports indicate that 532 people have been arrested amid ongoing widespread protests in Bangladesh and the security forces’ efforts to contain them.

According to Agence France-Presse, citing Faruk Hossain, a spokesperson for the Dhaka police, at least 532 individuals were detained on Monday, July 22, due to the violence.

In response to the protests that began last week, the government led by Sheikh Hasina declared Sunday and Monday as public holidays.

Reports from Dhaka indicate that the extensive presence of security forces has severely impacted normal city traffic, with checkpoints established every few steps.

The police spokesperson claimed that at least three officers were killed during the unrest in the capital, and around 1,000 people were injured, with at least 60 in critical condition.

Meanwhile, according to Reuters, at least 114 protesting students have been killed in clashes with the police during these demonstrations.

The students began protesting after the government proposed a job quota plan. Under this plan, up to 30% of government jobs would be allocated to the families of soldiers who fought in the Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971.

While Sheikh Hasina’s government has put the job quota plan into action, Voice of America reports that Bangladesh is facing a high youth unemployment rate.

The report reveals that nearly 32 million young Bangladeshis are unemployed or deprived of educational opportunities out of a total population of 170 million.

It is worth noting that internet services, text messaging, and universities have been blocked since Thursday due to the ongoing situation.

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