Bangladesh police association declares strike amid political upheaval

New Delhi: Bangladesh Police Association on Tuesday, representing thousands of police officers, announced a strike in response to recent political turmoil that resulted in the ousting of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. In a statement, the association declared, "Until the security of every member of the police is secured, we are declaring a strike." The statement also included an apology for the police's use of deadly force against protesters.

Political turmoil in Bangladesh

The political crisis escalated when Bangladesh Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman appeared on state television to announce the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The military declared it would establish an interim government to restore order. Hasina, who had led the country since 2009, faced accusations of election rigging in January and widespread public discontent, culminating in massive protests demanding her resignation.

🚨🇧🇩BREAKING: Bangladesh Police Association Declares Strike

Following the protests that toppled the prime minister, Bangladesh’s key police association announced a strike.

“Until the security of every member of the police is secured, we are declaring a strike."

This comes… https://t.co/iQkpE5BYET pic.twitter.com/Z0wJSEyJ7l

— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) August 6, 2024

Protests cause hundreds of casualties

The unrest resulted in significant violence, with hundreds of casualties as security forces attempted to suppress the protests. Despite these efforts, demonstrations intensified, ultimately forcing Hasina to flee Bangladesh via helicopter on Monday as the military withdrew its support. While the military shifted allegiance, the police remained largely loyal to Hasina, experiencing retaliatory attacks from protesters.

Police response to protester attacks

The Bangladesh Police Association emphasized the challenges faced by officers during the unrest, acknowledging that at least 413 individuals, including several police officers, lost their lives in the violence. "We beg an apology for what the police force has done to the innocent students," the association's statement read. The police maintained that they were "forced to open fire" and expressed frustration at being portrayed as the "villain" in the crisis.