Soldiers patrolled the deserted streets of the Bangladesh capital Dhaka on Saturday and the government ordered all offices and institutions to stay closed for two days after around 133 people were killed during student-led protests against government job quotas.
At least four people died, according to hospital data, during sporadic clashes on Saturday in some areas of Dhaka, which has been the centre of the protests, and where security forces set up roadblocks to enforce a curfew.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's government declared Sunday July 21st and Monday July 22nd 2024 as "public holidays" due to the situation in the country, with only emergency services allowed to operate.
Authorities had earlier closed universities and colleges from Wednesday.
Nationwide unrest broke out following student anger against the quotas for government jobs.