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.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Rape accused's mother murdered by victim's brother in MP's Shivpuri
Shivpuri (PTI): The 60-year-old mother of a rape accused was killed allegedly by the victim's brother in Madhya Pradesh's Shivpuri district, a police official said on Saturday.
The incident took place on Friday, Rannod police station house officer (SHO) Arvind Chauhan said.
"An anganwadi worker returning from a hospital was offered a lift by one Inder Gurjar, who took her to a secluded spot and raped her. She called up her brothers to narrate the ordeal. One brother of the victim along with two associates went to Gurjar's house and assaulted him. When Gurjar's mother Sirkunwarbai (60) intervened, she was attacked with a sharp weapon. She died on the spot," he said.
Based on a complaint filed by the deceased woman's daughter-in-law, three persons were booked for murder. One of them was held on Saturday, the official added.
A separate case has also been registered against Gurjar for rape, he said.
Police personnel have been deployed in the area in view of tension following the incident, the official added.
