New Delhi (AP) — The internet and mobile services in Bangladesh got the boot on Friday, following some seriously intense protests about how the government's been handing out jobs. It's gotten so bad that 28 folks have lost their lives this week alone.
These protests kicked off a while ago and went off the rails on Monday, turning into the biggest headache for the government since their big boss, Sheikh Hasina, got re-elected back in January. The only problem was, the main opposition parties totally skipped the election, calling it unfair. So, when things got crazy on Thursday with students trying to shut down the whole country, the government had to pull the plug on the internet to calm things down.
People who work at Bangladesh Television said some serious stuff went down. Students stormed the place, broke through the main gate, and lit vehicles and the reception area on fire. They had to stay anonymous because they were scared of getting in trouble for talking about it. The TV station kept broadcasting, but some folks in Dhaka said they couldn't get any signal.
A local TV station said 22 people got killed on Thursday, adding to the six from earlier in the week. We couldn't get the government to confirm the numbers right away.
On Friday, it looked like the internet and mobile data were dead in Dhaka, and social media apps like Facebook and WhatsApp weren't working either. The students weren't giving up, though. They said they'd keep pushing for a country-wide shutdown and asked mosques to pray for those who'd been killed.
What's Going On with the Protests
This whole mess started because people were ticked about not getting fair shots at government jobs. The situation just kept getting worse until it turned into these huge protests. It's not just about the jobs anymore; it's about deeper issues in Bangladesh.
What the Government's Doing
The government decided to play the internet kill switch to try and stop the protests from growing. But some people, like human rights groups, aren't happy about it. They say it's messing with everyone's right to speak their minds and get the news.
How It's Affecting Everyday Life
Without the internet and mobile data, life in Dhaka and other places in Bangladesh is a drag. People can't chat with their loved ones, get the latest news, or do their business stuff. Social media being down makes it feel like everyone's in the dark, adding to the fear and confusion.
The Protests Aren't Stopping
The students aren't backing down. They're still out there, calling for more protests and asking mosques across the country to remember the people who've died. It's like they're trying to get everyone on their side.
What's Next
The whole world's got their eyes on Bangladesh right now, especially because of how they're dealing with these protests and the internet blackout. Everyone's worried about the safety of the people there. We'll just have to wait and see how this all plays out and what it means for the country's future.