Bangladesh protests: 39 killed, state broadcaster's building set ablaze
Dhaka: Violent clashes between student protesters and security officials over a quota system for government jobs have resulted in 39 deaths across Bangladesh. The protests, which erupted into violence on Thursday, have plunged the country into chaos.
Armed with sticks and rocks, students clashed with police nationwide, including in the capital, Dhaka. The protesters aimed to shut down transportation across Bangladesh, leading to widespread disruptions.
Hundreds were injured as police used tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse the crowds. Protesters torched vehicles, police posts, and other establishments, including the state broadcaster’s building.
Streets in Dhaka were deserted on Friday following the violent protests. Communication services were widely disrupted, with a near-total internet shutdown reported. The protests intensified after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s televised address, which aimed to calm the unrest.
The unrest began late last month and escalated on Monday when student activists at Dhaka University clashed with police and counter-protesters backed by the ruling Awami League. The students demand the abolition of the quota system, which reserves 30% of government jobs for the families of 1971 war veterans. They argue that the system is discriminatory and want a merit-based system.
Despite the government scrapping these quotas in 2018, a High Court reinstated them, and the Supreme Court is set to hear the government's appeal on August 7. Prime Minister Hasina has appealed for peace and assured the students of a fair judicial inquiry.
The Awami League alleges that the violence was incited by Chhatra Shibir and Chhatra Dal, student wings of opposition parties. The UN Secretary-General has called for restraint and urged authorities to investigate the violence.
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Maharashtra excise dept cancels liquor permit for Diljit Dosanjh's Pune concert
Pune, Nov 24: The Maharashtra excise department on Sunday cancelled the permit for serving alcohol at actor-singer Diljit Dosanjh's concert in the Kothrud area of Pune later in the evening, an official said.
The department cancelled the permit after people from different quarters, including Kothrud's newly elected BJP MLA Chandrakant Patil, objected to plans to serve liquor at the programme.
State excise commissioner C Rajput said, "The state excise department has cancelled the permission to serve liquor during the programme."
MLA Patil raised an objection against the concert scheduled at Kakade Farm in Kothrud later in the evening.
The BJP leader, in a statement, said, "Such shows are not part of the city's culture. This will create a major disturbance for residents of the area. The event will also cause traffic jams. Hence, I have urged the city police commissioner to cancel the programme."
