Protesters in Bangladesh storm parliament building, Prison
Some videos also show puffs of smoke inside the conference hall and papers scattered on the floor
According to local media, thousands of people took to the streets in Bangladesh on 05 Aug. Arson and vandalism have been reported. Protesters have trashed the prime minister’s residence, demolished a smashed statue of the country’s founder Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and set fire to his museum, as well as stormed the office of the ruling Awami League party. They also attacked the homes of ruling party representatives, police stations and the offices of leading TV channels. Dhaka International Airport is closed until further notice.
Among other places protesters in Bangladesh also stormed into the building of the country’s parliament in Dhaka, as follows from video footage circulating on Bangladeshi social media.
According to the footage, dozens of people took the parliamentarians’ seats with their feet on the tables. Many stood on the tables smoking. Others were making videos on their mobile phones.
Some videos also show puffs of smoke inside the conference hall and papers scattered on the floor.
Students had taken to the streets in various cities of Bangladesh in early July, demanding the abolition of job quotas for relatives of participants in the 1971 war of independence. The situation in the republic has escalated, with demonstrations growing into riots. Anti-government protests flared up again in the capital city of Dhaka and other Bangladeshi cities on August 4. According to The Daily Star newspaper, at least 10,000 people have been arrested since the outbreak of riots.
At least 300 people have died in the protests, AFP said earlier, citing local police and medics. Meanwhile, the India Today television channel cited unofficial sources as saying that the number of victims may range from 1,000 to 1,400.
A crowd armed with clubs and stones also broke into a prison in the Sherpur District in northern Bangladesh, setting free more than 500 inmates, the Dhaka Tribune reported. The crowd wrecked government agencies, set fire to the local police station, looted shops and trading outlets.
Riots are reported in many Bangladeshi regions. According to the Business Standard newspaper, at least 110 people were killed in riots during the day on 05 Aug.
Crowds of protesters are still roaming streets in Dhaka and other Bangladeshi cities even after the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who has fled the country. The army has temporarily taken power in the country and called on people to stop violence. An interim government is expected to be formed soon.
