Bangladesh's Opposition Seeks US Support for Protests

The London-based leader of Bangladesh's main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Tariq Rahman has called for the US and the UK to interfere in the country's ongoing riots.

"I appeal to the international community to extend a helping hand to protect the people of Bangladesh from the attacks of Hasina's... forces," BNP's Acting President Tarique Rahman said in a social media post on X on Sunday in which he tagged accounts linked to the US and UK governments.

The appeal by the BNP comes days after Dhaka slammed Washington over the State Department's remarks on the quota protests.

"Freedom of expression and peaceful assembly are cornerstones of our democracy, and the government remains steadfast to uphold those rights of the citizens while also safeguarding the public property and order," the Bangladesh Foreign Ministry said in a statement, as it accused the US of attempting to undermine efforts to maintain peace in the country.

The protests began largely peacefully last month after the High Court reinstated 30 percent quotas in government jobs for the kin of 1971 Liberation War veterans, but turned increasingly violent after clashes between protestors and security forces last week.

The Supreme Court ruled on Sunday that the High Court verdict reinstating the job quota was "illegal", Attorney General AM Amin Uddin was quoted as saying by AFP news agency. It, however, remains to be seen if the top court verdict would appease the demonstrators.

Internet services in Bangladesh have remained suspended since Thursday as the student demonstrations on major university campuses turned deadly, resulting in nearly 130 fatalities and injuries to thousands, according to news reports. On Wednesday, sections of protestors torched the buildings of Bangladesh's state broadcaster and vanadalised university campuses and government offices at several locations.

Bangladesh's army was deployed across the country to manage the volatile security situation on Friday and a nationwide curfew has been imposed till Monday.

Gov't Blames Opposition-Backed 'Terrorists' for Violence

Student wings of opposition parties BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami (JI), namely Chhatra Dal and Bangladesh Islami Chhatrashibir, have joined the protests in large numbers and have been involved in clashes with security forces and the Awami League-affiliated Chhatra League.

Hasina has blamed terrorists for the widespread violence and vandalism witnessed during the protests, according to excerpts of her speech this week. The PM also announced a judicial investigation into the violence, wowing a strong response to those found responsible.

"I believe the quota reform protestors do not have links to these terrorists who have created anarchy using the movement," Hasina stated.

Meanwhile, Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader, who is also the road transport and bridges minister, has squarely blamed BNP-JI activists for fuelling the violence.

“BNP-Jamaat is now in the field in the name of quota movement with arson terrorists instead of students after the closure of educational institutions,” Quader told a presser at Awami League office on Thursday, according to a report in the country's national news agency BSS.

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13 February, 15:41

Bangladesh's Opposition Seeks US Support in Protests

Gov't Blames Opposition-Backed 'Terrorists' for Violence