Bangladesh arrest total passes 2,500
The Hindu
Violent protests in Bangladesh lead to over 2,500 arrests, 174 deaths, and widespread unrest over employment quotas.
The number of arrests in days of violence in Bangladesh passed the 2,500 mark on July 23, after protests over employment quotas sparked widespread unrest.
At least 174 people have died, including several police officers, according to a separate count of victims reported by police and hospitals.
What began as demonstrations against politicised admission quotas for sought-after government jobs snowballed last week into some of the worst unrest of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's tenure.
A curfew was imposed and soldiers deployed across the South Asian country. A nationwide Internet blackout drastically restricted the flow of information.
The student group leading the demonstrations suspended its protests on Monday for 48 hours, with its leader saying they had not wanted reform "at the expense of so much blood".
Nahid Islam — who said he feared for his life — extended the halt on July 23 evening by another 48 hours, taking it to July 26.
Restrictions remained in place after the army chief said the situation had been brought "under control".