Bangladesh violence leaves at least 4 dead as post-Hasina turmoil persists
Security forces clashed with supporters of the toppled prime minister, highlighting deep political divisions in the country
Bangladeshi security forces on Wednesday clashed with supporters of ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina, leaving at least four people dead and scores injured, a hospital official and local media said.
The violence erupted in the morning and spread as a new political party formed by students who led the uprising against Hasina in August last year announced a march towards southwestern Gopalganj district, Hasina’s ancestral and her Awami League party’s stronghold.
Authorities later imposed an overnight curfew in the district.
TV footage showed pro-Hasina activists attacking police with sticks and setting vehicles on fire as a convoy of about 20 vehicles carrying the leaders of the students’ National Citizen Party arrived as part of commemorations of the uprising.
Party leaders took shelter in the office of the local police chief. Footage showed top leaders were being escorted by soldiers to an armoured vehicle for safety. They later left for a neighbouring district with security escorts.