Dhaka: Bangladesh imposed a nationwide curfew on Friday amid violent student protests against reservations in government jobs. Ruling Awami League general secretary Obaidul Quader announced the curfew after police and security officials opened fire on protesters and banned all gatherings in the capital.

Sheikh Hasina government ordered the deployment of military forces

The Sheikh Hasina government has ordered the deployment of military forces to maintain law and order after several days of deadly clashes. News channels remained shut in Bangladesh on Friday and telecommunications were widely disrupted. However, entertainment channels continued to broadcast normally. Some news channels were running messages that they were not able to broadcast due to technical reasons.

Violence broke out again on Friday

Violence broke out again in some parts of the country on Friday. During this, four people died. On Thursday, the death toll reached 32. According to a newspaper, the government had to call the army late Thursday night to maintain order. According to news agency AFP, about 64 people have died and more than 2,500 people have been injured in the clashes this week.

Reuters has said that it could not independently confirm this information. Internet services were disrupted in many places including Dhaka on Friday morning and mobile data was shut down. Due to this, platforms like Facebook, Whatsapp could not be used. Most of the calls coming from abroad were not getting connected. Calls were not being made through the internet as well.

News channels remained shut and telecommunications were widely disrupted

The websites of many Bangladesh-based newspapers were not updating on Friday morning and their internet media handles were not active. Even SMSes were not going through. Only a few voice calls were working in the country.

The protesters are demanding the abolition of 30 percent reservation for family members of those who participated in the Liberation War in 1971. The main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party has supported the protesting students. At the same time, Sheikh Hasina's party has accused them of inciting violence.

Prime Minister's Office website hacked

Reuters has said that it seems that the official websites of Bangladesh Central Bank, Prime Minister's Office and Police have been hacked. Operation Huntdown, Stop Killing Students is written on the site. It is also written that now it is not protest, it is war. Another message at the bottom of the website says, prepare yourself. The fight for justice has begun.

UN Secretary General urged to create an environment for dialogue

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has urged the Bangladesh government to ensure a conducive environment for dialogue and encouraged protesters to join the dialogue. Secretary-General's spokesman Stephane Dujarric said, "Violence is never a solution."