The authorities in Bangladesh ordered a nationwide curfew and deployed the army as clashes between student-led protesters and the police and paramilitary forces killed dozens of people and brought Dhaka, the nation’s capital, to a halt.
Officials said the army was needed to help curb vandalism and restore order.
Across the country, university students have been agitating for weeks about a quota system for government jobs that they say limits their opportunities by benefiting only certain groups, including the families of those who fought for independence from Pakistan.
Officials of the Awami League, the political party led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, have said they want to negotiate with the students.
But student leaders have held their ground, refusing to hold talks until the quota system is permanently removed.
Persons:
Sheikh Hasina
Organizations:
Awami League
Locations:
Bangladesh, Dhaka, Pakistan