At least 27 people were killed and many others injured in clashes in Bangladesh on Sunday, as protesters called for Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to resign. The interior ministry declared an indefinite nationwide curfew, the first time during the current protests that began last month. The government shut down internet services in response to the unrest, which is the biggest test for Hasina since her controversial re-election in January. Critics have accused her of using excessive force to suppress the protest movement, which she denies. Demonstrators blocked highways and engaged in violent clashes with police and ruling party activists. Police denied firing bullets in some instances, but violence erupted with improvised explosives. At least five people were killed in multiple districts, with several others injured. Health Minister Samanta Lal Sen condemned an attack on a hospital, where vehicles were set on fire. The government shut down high-speed internet services for the second time in response to the protests. Last month, violent demonstrations led by student groups protesting government job quotas resulted in numerous deaths and arrests. Although the protests paused after the Supreme Court scrapped most quotas, they resumed last week as students demanded justice for those killed. With tension escalating, the situation in Bangladesh remains volatile and concerning.
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