Since late July, Bangladesh has been embroiled in student-led protests over road safety after two students were killed by a speeding bus. The protests have garnered widespread support from the public, who are frustrated with the government’s inability to address longstanding issues with road safety.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government response to the protests has been criticized for its heavy-handed tactics, including the use of tear gas, rubber bullets, and arrests of protestors. The Prime Minister has also dismissed the protests as politically motivated, further escalating the tensions between the government and the protesters.
The protests have grown into the biggest challenge to Sheikh Hasina’s dominance since she took office in 2009. The increasing unrest has put pressure on her government to address the growing demands of the protesters for improved road safety measures.
Despite attempts to suppress the protests, they have continued to gain momentum, with students taking to the streets in large numbers. The government’s crackdown on the protests has drawn condemnation from human rights organizations, who have called for an end to the violence and for the government to address the underlying issues that have sparked the protests.
As the protests show no signs of slowing down, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina faces a critical test of her leadership as she navigates the growing discontent among the public. The situation remains fluid, with tensions running high and the possibility of further escalation looming. The government’s response to the protests will be closely watched by both domestic and international observers as they assess the state of democracy and human rights in Bangladesh.
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