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Protests in Bangladesh as Opposition Demands Government Change

Bangladesh has been immersed in conflicts and fights as the main opposition party, Bangladesh National Party (BNP), demands the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the transfer of power to a non-party caretaker government.

The circumstance heightened as the BNP coordinated demonstration fights at different various entry points to the capital city, Dhaka. The opposition party blames prime minister Hasina for vote rigging in the 2018 elections, and tensions have been simmering over who should oversee the next general election, expected to take place by early January.

Bangladesh Protests

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Sources Related to Protests in Bangladesh (For R&D)

On Saturday, conflicts erupted among police and BNP allies in the Matuail area of Dhaka. Many BNP workers endeavored to block entry points to the city, prompting conflicts with the police. Tear gas and batons were utilized by the police to scatter the dissidents, while the BNP allies fought back by throwing bricks and going after police vehicles with sticks. The circumstance quickly heightened, bringing about wounds and arrests on both sides.

The BNP claimed that many of its activists were injured during the anti-government protests. Reports suggest that over 100 opposition workers were injured, and the BNP said at least 124 of its members were arrested by the police.

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The Dhaka Metropolitan Police representative revealed that 20 officials were harmed during conflicts with the protesters. The strained circumstance additionally saw two senior BNP leaders briefly detained before being released.

The core demand of the BNP and its partners is for prime minister Hasina to step down and for a neutral caretaker government to be appointed to ensure a free and fair election. The opposition accuses the ruling Awami Association, drove by Hasina, oof rigging the 2018 vote and insists that a non-partisan government must oversee the upcoming general election.

Prime minister Hasina, who aims to be re-elected for a fourth successive term, dismisses the opposition’s demand, citing the constitutional provision that the election should be held under her government’s supervision. The government views the calls for a caretaker government as foreign intervention in the country’s internal affairs.

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In the midst of the raising circumstance, the US, the European Union, and the United nations have urged all parties to demonstrate restraint and work towards holding a credible election. Western governments and rights groups have expressed concern over the political climate in Bangladesh, criticizing the government for cracking down on anti-government protests and violating human rights.

The BNP has been in confusion since its leader, Khaleda Zia, was imprisoned in 2018 on corruption charges. The party’s disappointment with the government’s handling of the economy and rising living costs has fueled the recent protests. The opposition has been organizing rallies demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Hasina and calling for fresh elections under a neutral caretaker government.

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Top Sources Regarding Protests in Bangladesh as Opposition Demands Government Change (For R&D)

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