Bangladesh Internet goes dark as widening job protests kill 25

Students shout slogans during ongoing anti-quota protest in Dhaka on July 18, 2024. Bangladeshi students pressed on July 18 with nationwide protests against civil service hiring rules, rebuffing an olive branch from Hasina who pledged justice for those killed in the demonstrations. — AFP

Bangladesh is suffering a nationwide Internet shutdown as students armed with sticks and hurling stones clash with police in protests against the government that reports said have left at least 25 people dead.

Network data showed an Internet blackout began July 18, monitoring service Netblocks said on X. Student protesters angered by the government’s job quota policy attempted to shut down transport networks and businesses after authorities closed all universities. A state television broadcaster was set ablaze, local media reported.