Bangladesh Imposes Curfew, 'Shoot-on-Site' Orders Amid Violent Protests; India Watches Closely

Amid escalating violence in Bangladesh that has resulted in at least 115 deaths and numerous injuries, the authorities have been granted "shoot-on-site" orders as part of a nationwide curfew imposed until Sunday morning to regain control. The violence, linked to anti-quota protests, has prompted India to classify the situation as Dhaka's "internal matter" while closely monitoring the situation due to the presence of 15,000 Indians, including 8,500 students, in Bangladesh. The Ministry of External Affairs has confirmed that all Indians residing there are safe. Additionally, 88 Indians have returned from the conflict zones via Meghalaya, with a total of 363 individuals, including Indians and Nepalese, evacuating through the Dawki Integrated Check Post on Friday. The unrest began a week ago with student groups protesting against the quota system that reserves up to 30% of government jobs for relatives of veterans from Bangladesh's 1971 war of independence against Pakistan. This protest has escalated into one of the most severe challenges faced by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's government, which has been in power since 2009. The ongoing protests are described as the most intense Bangladesh has experienced in over a decade.