On Thursday, protesters ignited the headquarters of Bangladesh's primary state broadcaster, BTV, with numerous individuals reportedly trapped within its offices, according to the network.
An official from the station, who spoke to AFP under the condition of anonymity, disclosed that hundreds of demonstrators had breached the facility, setting fire to at least 60 vehicles and a building housing offices. 'They initially set ablaze a police post in Rampura after the police fired upon them,' he recounted, mentioning a district in Dhaka, the capital. 'When the police sought shelter at the BTV office, the protesters pursued them, leading to chaos here.'
A statement on BTV's verified Facebook page described the fire as 'catastrophic' and 'rapidly spreading.' 'We urgently request assistance from the Fire Service. Numerous individuals are currently trapped inside,' the broadcaster stated.
This week, Bangladesh's police have intensified their aggressive response to ongoing student protests, which are calling for changes to the civil service recruitment process. The confrontations have resulted in at least 22 fatalities so far this week.
