New Delhi: In a dramatic turn of events, student protesters in Bangladeshs Narsingdi district freed hundreds of inmates and set the local jail on fire on Friday. The chaos erupted amid ongoing violent demonstrations against the governments quota system.Mass Jailbreak in Bangladesh According to local police, the inmates fled the jail after protesters set the building ablaze. Speaking to AFP, an official said, The inmates fled the jail and the protesters set the jail on fire. I dont know the exact number of inmates, but it would be in the hundreds. A senior government official also confirmed the jailbreak but did not provide additional details.Public gatherings banned in DhakaIn response to the escalating violence, Dhakas police force banned all public gatherings for the day. Police Chief Habibur Rahman announced, Weve banned all rallies, processions, and public gatherings in Dhaka today to ensure public safety. Despite the ban and an internet shutdown aimed at disrupting protest organizations, confrontations between police and protesters continued.Protesters demand resignation of PM Sheikh Hasina Protesters remain resolute in their demands, calling for the immediate resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. One protester stated, Our protest will continue. The government is responsible for the killings. Reports indicate that at least 64 people have died in the unrest, according to hospital sources.Origins of quota stirThe protests began on July 1 after the High Court reinstated the freedom fighters quota, which reserves one-third of civil service posts for their descendants. This decision sparked widespread outrage among students, who viewed the quota system as unfair and discriminatory.Nationwide unrestThousands of students, armed with sticks and rocks, have clashed with armed police in various cities, including Dhaka, Chattogram, Rangpur, and Cumilla. The violence and subsequent arson have caused disruptions, particularly in Dhaka and other major cities.
