109 killed in Bangladesh unrest: Police

Monday marks the deadliest day since protests began in early July

Demonstrators shout slogans in Dhaka, Bangladesh, August 4, 2024 PHOTO:REUTERS

At least 109 people were killed during violent unrest in Bangladesh on Monday as the prime minister was ousted, police and doctors said, updating an earlier toll.

It marks the deadliest day since protests began in early July, and brings the total number killed to 409, according to an AFP tally based on police, government officials and doctors at hospitals.

On August 5, the weeks-long anti-government movement reached its climax, forcing Bangladesh PM Hasina Wajid to not only resign but to flee abroad.

While the founding father of a nation usually remains untouchable, this time, the anger spilt over to Sheikh Mujib, Hasina's father, as protestors were so enraged they even vented their fury on the statue of Sheikh Mujib, Hasina's father, while tearing through key government installations.

Although it all started with public outrage over the job quota system, which ensured government jobs for the descendants of those who participated in the country's 1971 war, some political analysts believe that Hasina's compromise on her democratic credentials and "manipulated elections" fanned the flames of discontent.

Despite being the longest-serving female ruler in Bangladesh, experts noted that muzzling the opposition and stifling dissent was a ticking time bomb. They pointed out that people, as well as powerful stakeholders, had reached the end of their tether, especially when she labelled the protestors as "terrorists."

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