Bangladesh in Turmoil: Army Chief to Address Nation Amid Rising Protests

Bangladesh faces fresh protests demanding Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's resignation. Amid escalating violence, army chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman will address the nation. Tensions have soared following the imposition of a nationwide curfew and severe clashes that resulted in nearly 100 deaths and numerous injuries.

Bangladesh's army chief will address the nation at 2 p.m. (0800 GMT) on Monday, according to a report by local newspaper Prothom Alo, as protests escalate demanding Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's resignation. Student activists have called for a march to the capital, defying a nationwide curfew instituted after deadly clashes killed nearly 100 people across the country.

While some protesters started to march, armoured personnel carriers and troops were deployed in the capital, as shown by Reuters TV. Civilian traffic was minimal, with just a few motorcycles and three-wheel taxis seen on the roads. Police dispersed small protest groups by using sound grenades, Prothom Alo reported.

Thousands of protesters surrounded law enforcement officers stationed near a key building, the newspaper added. The army chief, General Waker-Uz-Zaman, is expected to address the public, requesting them to refrain from violence and remain patient, according to the military spokesperson's office.

Protests and violence erupted last month over a controversial quota system in government jobs, escalating into demands for Hasina's resignation. Hasina secured a fourth term in January in an election boycotted by the opposition.

At least 91 people were killed, and hundreds injured on Sunday during nationwide violent clashes. In response, the government imposed a curfew, halted railway services, and shut down the garments industry.