Bangladesh witnessed a severe escalation in civil unrest on Sunday, resulting in at least 98 deaths and hundreds of injuries as police used tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse tens of thousands of protesters. The demonstrators are demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, marking one of the deadliest days in Bangladesh’s recent history of political turmoil.

This latest episode of violence surpasses the July 19 incident, which saw 67 fatalities when students took to the streets to protest the government’s controversial quota system for government jobs. The ongoing protests, which have been gaining momentum since late last month, represent the most significant challenge to Hasina’s leadership during her two separate terms spanning 20 years.

The current wave of protests was ignited by student activists at Dhaka University, the largest university in Bangladesh, who clashed with police and pro-government groups. The roots of the unrest can be traced back to the government’s quota system, which allocates up to 30 percent of government jobs to the families of veterans from Bangladesh’s 1971 war of independence against Pakistan. Critics argue that this policy restricts job opportunities for the general population, especially affecting young graduates and fueling widespread discontent.

The government’s response, characterized by aggressive policing and a heavy-handed approach, has drawn international condemnation. The violence has raised concerns about Bangladesh’s stability and the potential for further unrest. The nation is now watching closely to see how Prime Minister Hasina will address these protests and respond to the increasing calls for reform and accountability. The pressure is mounting on the government to find a peaceful resolution to the crisis and address the grievances that have led to such widespread dissent.