Protesters in Bangladesh ignited several government buildings amid widespread violent confrontations between students and riot police, according to a police statement from the capital, Dhaka.
The statement detailed that 'miscreants have already set ablaze, vandalized, and conducted destructive acts' at the state-run BTV, the national disaster management agency, police facilities, and other government buildings.
This statement was released late Thursday following the implementation of a nationwide internet blackout, which severed Bangladesh's communication links with the outside world.
Police have asserted, 'So far, we have exhibited maximum restraint,' and warned that if the destructive actions persist, they would be compelled to 'employ the law to its fullest extent.'
This week's clashes, initiated by student protests concerning civil service recruitment policies, have resulted in 39 fatalities, with 32 deaths occurring on Thursday, marking the most violent day of the unrest to date. Private broadcaster Independent Television reported that 702 individuals were injured during Thursday's confrontations, including 104 police officers and 30 journalists. At least 26 of the country's 64 districts experienced clashes on Thursday, according to the network.
