Protesters, cops killed in deadly countrywide clashes; curfew declared indefinitely
No public transportation, including buses, was seen on the Dhaka roads. Only a few rickshaws and CNGs were operating
Dozens of people, including protesters, policemen and activists of Awami League were killed and hundreds were injured in violent clashes across the country today (4 August).
The clashes took place in Dhaka and several other districts as protesters, mostly students and people from all walks of life, brought out processions and blocked roads with their one-point demand for the resignation of the government.
Here are all the developments as reported by our correspondents from the spot:
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10:50pm
'Not an iota of concession': DMP urges everyone to comply with curfew rules
The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) will not show even an iota of concession for anyone who does not comply with the curfew imposed from 6:00pm today.
"Not even an iota of concession will be given. Without question. We urge everyone to obey the rules of curfew," DMP Commissioner Habibur Rahman told the media.
10:20pm
The BNP extended full support for the one-point demand of the student-led Anti-Discrimination Movement, urging its leaders, activists, and people from all walks of life to stand by the protesters.
Speaking at a press conference at the BNP Chairperson's Gulshan office, party Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir called on the government to step down amid the mass upsurge.
10:00pm
Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh Ameer Shah Muhibullah Babunagari called upon the countrymen to gather in Dhaka to take part in the long march announced by the Anti-discrimination Student Movement.
He made the call in a statement sent to the media.
9:30pm
In Kushtia, unidentified men vandalised and set fire to the residence of AL Joint General Secretary MP Mahbubul Alam Hanif.
Superintendent of Police Md Alamgir Hossain said no casualty was reported in the incident.
9:10pm
More than 50 Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) members were injured while performing their duties across the country, according to BGB Public Relations Officer Shariful Islam.
9:00pm
Two BRTC buses were torched during curfew in Barisal. A local councillor's office and a Awami League office were also vandalised.
Meanwhile, protesters are still occupying about 1.5 kilometres of Dhaka-Barisal highway, reports our corrspondent.
8:30pm
A young boy, hurt with bullet wounds, was brought in to the Chattogram Medical College Hospital today.
He was injured amid clashes erupting between protesting students, police and ruling party men, witnesses said.
8:10pm
A showroom of the clothing brand Yellow in the capital's Dhanmondi was set on fire this afternoon.
8:00pm
Unidentified men attacked, vandalised and set fire to Savar Press Club and Ashulia Press Club. A motorcycle was burned.
Several police boxes were burnt in Baipail and C&B areas.
7:30pm
About three hundred policemen were injured in "attacks" on police stations across the country today, Police Headquarters Senior Information Officer Quamrul Hasan told The Business Standard.
7:20pm
A tense situation has unfolded in Cox's Bazar as protesters vandalised a police box at the entrance of Shahid Sarani area.
In the evening, intermittent explosions were heard in the area, although the source of these explosions remains unclear, our correspondent reported from the spot.
Clashes erupted between members of the Chhatra League and protesters at the entrance of Shahid Sarani. Gunshots were also heard in the area.
Chhatra League men allegedly set fire to Cox's Bazar district BNP office and some nearby shops.
Police, BGB, and Rab were deployed at the scene.
7:10pm
At least 11 cops killed in attack on police station in Sirajganj
At least 11 policemen in Sirajganj have been beaten to death in an attack on the Enayetpur police station today (4 August).
The incident took in the afternoon.
6:30pm
At least four people have been killed in Narsingdi amid clashes, reports Prothom Alo.
6:15pm
At least 15 people were injured, including police and journalists, amid clashes between protesters with police and Awami League men in Bagerhat.
6:10pm
Leaders and activists of Islami Andolan Bangladesh reached Shahbagh with a huge procession from the National Press Club.
5:45pm
At least one student and an Awami League leader were killed during clashes between protesters and supporters of the ruling Awami League.
Besides, at least 30 people with bullet injuries are receiving treatment at three local hospitals, sources said.
The deceased AL leader has been identified as Dhaka North AL Ward-1 former president Anwarul Islam, his brother and former MP Alhaj Habib Hasan told TBS in the afternoon.
The deceased student has been identified as Mahim, 17, according to health officials at Uttara Adhunik Hospital where Mahim was taken with bullet injuries. He died while on the way to the hospital.
5:35pm
A group of protestors snatched three dead bodies from Dhaka Medical College Hospital, reports Prothom Alo.
They went to the Central Shaheed Minar with the bodies and chanted various slogans.
5:30pm
Protesters have left the Rajlokkhi and Ajampur areas of Uttara for today.
The pictures were taken inside Uttara 18, Rajuk Project. Students, parents, housewives, children and all classes of people joined the spontaneous march today. The procession started at around 11:30am and ended with a one-hour tour of various roads inside the project. In the evening a candlelight procession was held from the local Shaheed Minar.
5:25pm
3-day general holiday declared as curfew extended indefinitely from 6pm
A three-day general holiday has been declared following the indefinite extension of the curfew.
Earlier, the ongoing curfew was announced from 6pm, and the period of relaxation has been cancelled indefinitely, the home ministry said today (4 August).
5:10pm
One-point demand for fall of government is of BNP-Jamaat conspirators': Nanak
The movement on the streets with one-point demand to overthrow the government is not of the students but rather of the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami conspirators, said Awami League Presidium member Jahangir Kabir Nanak.
"Awami League is raising resistance in the streets to resist these anarchists," said Nanak, also the Textiles and Jute minister, at a press conference in the AL political office in the capital's Dhanmondi today (4 August).
5:06pm
Over 50 people are currently being treated for injuries at the Dhaka Medical College Hospital in the capital.
A number of the patients have bullet wounds, our source confirms.
4:46pm
A youth was shot dead in Mirpur-10 during clashes
The deceased, identified as Miraz, 24, was shot in his chest with a shotgun.
He was rushed to Mir Azmal Ali Hospital where the doctors declared him dead, the hospital's doctor Oindrila told TBS.
The doctor said at least 50 injured patients have been treated at this hospital.
About 100 people who suffered gunshot wounds have been treated at Alok Hospital, said the hospital's Dr Mushfiq Hossain.
The nearby Popular Diagnostic Center also provided medical care to 50 injured.
There have been incidents of open firing since morning at Mirpur-10.
No police could be seen there, our correspondent reports.
4:24pm
Students along with common people of the area took position at the entrance from Mohammadpur bus stand to Basila. Around 1,000 protesters were seen, including a large number of madrasa students.
About 100 policemen were seen deployed at the Mohammadpur bus stand.
4:00pm
A youth was shot dead in Cumilla's Debidwar.
The incident took place in front of Debidwar Asgar Ali Girls High School at 1:30pm today (August 4).
The deceased was identified as Abdul Razzak Rubel (26) from the Barera village of the locality.
Debidwar Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer Ali Ehsan confirmed the death.
Locals said more than 500 leaders and activists of the Awami League, Jubo League and Chhatra League took positions at Debidwar New Market Swadhinta Chatwar.
The anti-discrimination student protesters took up position a little distant from Independence Square.
During this time, there was a chase between the two groups, at which point Rubel was short. Fifteen were left injured.
3:31pm
Clashes have erupted between police and protesters in the Chanmari area of Narayanganj's Link Road.
At least 50 protesters have been injured in the clashes, our correspondent reported from the spot.
As of 3:30pm, at least 7,000 protesters continue to occupy the Chashara intersection.
Meanwhile, clashes continue sporadically between the police and the protesters in the North Chashara area.
Around 1pm, a group of protesters started vandalising the DC office and police station, prompting the police to take action. Tear gas and rubber bullets were fired.
However, some protesters have accused the police of firing live bullets.
Since noon, protesters have attacked the district council office, the rifles club, the Chashara police box, and the Tella Awami League office. Additionally, four buses belonging to Shamim Osman-owned Shital Paribahan were vandalised.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, a police official said, "The protesters had planned to attack the police superintendent's office. The police took action to control the situation. Tear gas and rubber bullets were fired to quell the unrest."
Abul Bashar, the superintendent of Narayanganj 300-bed hospital, said, "10 people have been admitted to the hospital. More patients are coming in. Some of them have gunshot wounds, while others have come to the hospital with respiratory problems due to tear gas."
3:23pm
Hundreds of thousands of students have occupied all the roads around Shahbag, and many parents are present with their children.
Over a hundred police officers are positioned near the gate of the Shahbag police station.
3:02pm
In Uttara's Azampur, chasing and counter-chasing continue after a clash erupted between protesting students, Awami League leaders and activists, and police.
Protesters were being shot at from various alleys. A student named Sabuj told TBS that ten students were injured and three were killed. Thousands of students are still holding their positions at the Rajlakshmi Complex and Uttara Azampur bus stand.
2:57pm
An AL leader has been killed during the clash between protesters and AL, BCL men in Barishal.
He has been identified as Tutul Chowdhury, 60, a leader of the AL for Barishal's ward number 12.
The incident was confirmed by Dr ASM Sayem Chowdhury, in charge of the emergency department at Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital.
2:54pm
Protesters have attacked and set fire to the Ward no 21 councillor's office amid the ongoing protests.
The office was attacked and set ablaze around 11:30am, our correspondent reports.
Upon visiting the scene, it was observed that the office, located behind Sakura Restaurant opposite the InterContinental Hotel, was completely burnt down. All necessary documents and computers in the councillor's office were destroyed.
According to officials from the office, the Councillor Asaduzzaman Asad was holding a sit-in programme.
Suddenly, a group of protesters attacked the programme. Subsequently, they vandalised the councillor's office. Around noon, the office was set on fire
2:41pm
Our correspondent on Mirpur-10 reported heavy explosions of sound grenades. Members of police are present near the Mirpur-10 intersection.
2:38pm
As of now, 12 deaths have been reported across the country.
Among the 12, 2 were killed in Munshiganj, 1 in Magura, 1 in Sirajganj, 3 in Pabna, 2 in Bogura, 2 in Rangpur and 1 in Savar.
2:15pm
Grameenphone gave a statement on mobile internet shutdown.
"The authorities have shut down the mobile internet. We are in continuous communications with the relevant authorities regarding this issue," reads the statement.
2:11pm
Three were killed during a clash between the police and protesters in Pabna.
Two deceased have been identified as Mahbul, 22, and Jahidul Islam, 22.
2:03pm
Six deaths have been reported so far as Bangladesh boils amid protests, violence.
Two construction workers were shot dead on their way to work during a three-way clash in Munshiganj.
At least 30 people were injured, including seven with gunshot wounds, and numerous cocktail explosions occurred.
Magura became the spot for the second death of the day. One person died and 20 others were injured when police and ruling party men clashed with protesters.
Another two deaths were reported at Bogura, with a further one in Sirajganj, according to Jamuna TV.
1:50pm
The offices of the upazila nirbahi officer, upazila chairman and vice chairman, Mohanpur Thana and Mohanpur Upazila Awami League were vandalised and set on fire by unidentified men.
During this time, several patrol cars, including that of the officer-in-charge (OC) car of Mohanpur police station, were set on fire.
Besides, the party office of Mohanpur Upazila Awami League was also set on fire.
Mohanpur Upazila Executive Officer Ayesha Siddika confirmed the matter.
Protesters could be seen in the Mohanpur Bazar, continuing their protest.
He said extra security forces have been deployed to control the situation.
1:36pm
Two were killed during a clash between the police and protesters in Bogura's Dunchanchia.
One of the deceased has been identified as Munirul Islam, 34. Munirul was shot in the head.
The identity of the other individual has not yet been confirmed.
1:35pm
Protesters take over Banglamotor intersection. They were seen chanting slogans on their one-point demand.
At least 1000 students joined the clash in Banglamotor from Shahbagh, reported our correspondent from the spot.
1:05pm
A clash breaks out between the protesters and AL men in the Banglamotor intersection.
1pm
Mobile internet services could be shut down at any moment.
Telecommunication sources said that all mobile operators have already been directed by the government to shut down 4G services.
12:55pm
A group of AL men approached Banglamotor intersection with a procession from Moghbazar.
12:33pm
Chase and counter-chase are ongoing in Mirpur 10, with sounds of gunfire reported by our correspondent on the spot.
Since 11am, AL activists were stationed at the Mirpur 10 roundabout.
Around 12pm, protesting students began their charge from the side of Mirpur 14.
Clashes are still ongoing.
12:30pm
The High Court said all citizens have the right to participate in peaceful assemblies and emphasised that the police must follow legal directives.
The court also dismissed the writ petition seeking an order against direct shooting during protests.
12:00pm
Women from different classes and professions have organised a human chain programme in Jashore to protest the killings, threats, attacks and arrests of the students.
This human chain under the title "Mother for Children" took place in front of Jashore Press Club around noon today. Many men also joined the programme in solidarity with women.
11:57am
Few people are present in Motijheel. Some bankers have been seen marching in support of the government, our correspondent reported from the area.
11:53am
At least 2000 AL men have taken positions at the Mirpur-10 intersection, reported our correspondent from the spot. No protesters were seen there.
11:50am
Two construction workers have been shot dead on their way to work during a three-way clash between the protesters, the police, and Awami League and Chhatra League activists during a pre-scheduled programme in Munshiganj.
At least 30 people were injured during the clash, including seven who were shot.
Numerous cocktail explosions occurred during the incident.
11:40am
In Lakshmipur, clashes and firing erupted between anti-discrimination activists and Awami League leaders, starting around 11:30am. Several people were injured, though the exact number is unknown, and some institutions were vandalised. Law enforcement, including the police, was not seen managing the situation.
The clashes occurred in the Jhumur and Madam Bridge areas, with Awami League leaders eventually retreating to Uttar Temuhni, while students remained in the Madam Bridge to Jhumur area.
11:21am
At least 500 Awami League (AL) men have taken position in Mirpur-10 intersection, our correspondent reported from the spot.
11:20am
Unidentified individuals have set fire to a few vehicles in the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), our correspondent reported from the spot.
11:00am
No members of law enforcers or AL men were present around the protest sites in the capital's Moghbazar, Kakrail, Shantinagar, Bijoy Nagar, Baitul Mukarram, and Matsya Bhaban, as of filing this report at 11:10am.
10:50am
A clash breaks out between the protesters and Chhatra League men at the Shahbagh intersection.
As the protesters reach Shahbagh from Old Dhaka in a procession, AL and BCL activists were already chanting slogans in front of BSMMU.
The protesters chased them. During the clash, several vehicles parked in the hospital premises were vandalised.
10:30am
No public transportation, including buses, has been seen on the Dhaka roads. Only a few rickshaws and CNGs are operating.
