In Bangladesh, death toll has reached 39 in the anti-quota protests. According to media reports, violence escalated in the country over protests by students demanding reforms in the quota system for government jobs. As a result of the unrest, television news channels in Bangladesh are off the air, telecommunications has been disrupted, and many newspaper websites and social media accounts are inactive. Mobile internet has also been temporarily suspended in the country in the wake of the protests.
Law Minister Anisul Huq has said the government is willing to hold talks with the protesters.
The Indian High Commission in Dhaka has advised its nationals to avoid local travel and minimize movement outside their living premises. The External Affairs Ministry in a social media post requested Indian nationals in Bangladesh to follow the advisory issued by the Indian High Commission in Dhaka.
Meanwhile, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has expressed deep concern at the ongoing violence in Bangladesh. The UN Chief’s spokesperson said, Mr Guterres is following the developments in the country very closely and urged authorities in Dhaka to work with its young population and find solutions to the ongoing challenges.
