Bangladesh arrests over 2,000

DHAKA: The number of arrests in days of violence in Bangladesh passed the 2,500 mark in an AFP tally on Tuesday, after protests over employment quotas sparked widespread unrest.

At least 174 people have died, including several police officers, according to a separate AFP count of victims reported by police and hospitals.

What began as demonstrations against politicised admission quotas for sought-after government jobs snowballed last week into some of the worst unrest of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s tenure.

A curfew was imposed and soldiers deployed across the South Asian country. A nationwide internet blackout drastically restricted the flow of information.

The student group leading the demonstrations suspended its protests Monday for 48 hours, with its leader saying they had not wanted reform “at the expense of so much blood”. Nahid Islam -- who has told AFP he fears for his life -- extended the halt on Tuesday evening by another 48 hours, taking it to Friday.

Restrictions remained in place after the army chief said the situation had been brought “under control”.Broadband internet was being gradually restored on Tuesday evening, although mobile internet -- a key communication method for protest organisers -- remained inoperative.