Violent Clashes Erupt in Bangladesh Amid Protests

At least 55 people were killed and hundreds injured in Bangladesh as police used tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse protesters demanding Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resign. The government imposed a nationwide curfew and a three-day holiday, marking the first such measures during ongoing unrest starting last month.

At least 55 fatalities and hundreds of injuries were reported in Bangladesh on Sunday as police resorted to tear gas and rubber bullets to manage tens of thousands of protesters demanding Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's resignation.

The government imposed an indefinite nationwide curfew from 6 p.m. (1200 GMT) and declared a three-day general holiday beginning Monday. This marks the first such step during the protests that commenced last month.

Internet services were shut down, as the unrest became the biggest challenge for Hasina since January when deadly protests erupted over her fourth consecutive term, boycotted by the main opposition. Critics and human rights groups accuse the government of excessive force against protesters, a charge Hasina denies. Demonstrators block major highways as student protesters launched a non-cooperation program, prompting nationwide violence.

Police stations and ruling party offices were targeted, with at least twelve policemen beaten to death in Sirajganj, and five people killed and dozens injured in Dhaka.

Hasina condemned the violence, labeling the protesters as terrorists.