The death toll from clashes in Bangladesh rose to at least 300 after 94 died on Sunday in the deadliest day in weeks of anti-government protests, according to AFP statistics.
The figure is based on reports from the police, officials and doctors from hospitals. Protests are expected to resume on Monday, with soldiers and police patrolling key roads and blocking routes to the prime minister’s office in the capital, Dhaka.
Hundreds of thousands of Bangladeshi protesters demanding Hasina’s resignation clashed with government supporters on Sunday in one of the bloodiest days since demonstrations began in July.
The rallies, which began last month against job quotas in the civil service, have escalated into some of the worst unrest in Hasina’s 15-year rule and have moved into broader calls for the 76-year-old to step down.
At least 94 people, including 14 policemen, were killed on Sunday alone, as rival sides fought with sticks and knives and security forces fired rifles.
“The terrorists attacked the police station and killed 11 policemen,” said Bijoy Basak, deputy inspector general.
AFP journalists reported hearing continuous gunfire after dark on Sunday, with protesters defying a nationwide curfew.
Mobile internet was severely restricted.
