Bangladesh Telecoms Crippled Amid Violent Student Protests

Bangladesh witnessed widespread telecommunications disruptions as violent student protests against government job quotas continued. Sparked by economic issues, the protests have led to deaths and injuries. Security forces clashed with protesters, leading to severed communications and a call for military intervention. Hacked government websites added to the chaos.

Telecommunications across Bangladesh were severely disrupted on Friday amid violent student protests against government job quotas, which have resulted in nearly two dozen fatalities this week.

Government officials did not immediately comment on the severed communications, but police in Dhaka have indefinitely banned public gatherings. Tear gas was used to disperse protesters in fresh clashes, with security forces and demonstrators confronting each other on the streets of the capital.

In addition to blocking roads and hurling bricks at security forces, protesters have paralyzed nationwide connectivity. Official websites were hacked, displaying messages calling for justice, while most news channels went off air citing technical issues.