At least 27 people were killed and scores injured in Bangladesh clashes as the government imposed an indefinite curfew and shut down internet services amid escalating protests demanding Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's resignation.

The unrest in Bangladesh, marked by violent confrontations between protesters, police, and ruling party activists, has led to severe nationwide disruption. The government has responded to the escalating demands for Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's resignation with an indefinite curfew and a comprehensive internet shutdown, further intensifying the conflict. Critics accuse Hasina's administration of using excessive force, while the Prime Minister labels the protesters as terrorists. This turmoil follows Hasina's controversial fourth consecutive term win and a history of alleged suppression of dissent.

The interior ministry declared the indefinite nationwide curfew to start at 6 p.m. local time on Sunday, aiming to control the escalating violence. In conjunction with the curfew, the government has shut down all internet services, including social media platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp, in an attempt to curb the organizational capabilities of the protesters.

Protesters have not only demanded Hasina's resignation but have also blocked major highways and launched a non-cooperation program to press their demands. These maneuvers have brought much of the country's infrastructure and daily life to a halt. The Prime Minister, however, accuses the protesters of being terrorists bent on destabilizing the nation.

The violence has been widespread and severe. In Munshiganj, a three-way clash resulted in the deaths of two construction workers and injuries to 30 others. In another significant confrontation in Pabna district, at least three people were killed and 50 others injured. The chaos extended further with two more deaths in Bogura and five others in various districts.

One of the most alarming incidents occurred in Dhaka, where a hospital was attacked. Vehicles, including an ambulance, were set on fire, adding to the widespread panic and chaos. Such incidents underline the severity of the clashes and the high stakes involved.

Amid the violent unrest, nearly 100 people have been killed according to various reports, with figures citing different numbers around 95 and 85. Exact numbers are hard to verify given the nationwide unrest. In Sirajganj, at least 18 people, including 13 police officers, were killed, while Feni district saw the deaths of five people.

Human rights groups and critics of Hasina's government have accused the administration of using excessive force to quell the protests. These accusations come in the context of Hasina's long-standing tenure marked by allegations of suppressing dissent. Hasina has been in power for 15 years and secured her fourth consecutive term win in elections held in January.

In an attempt to minimize further casualties and unrest, the government has announced a public holiday and indefinitely closed courts. Additionally, the Supreme Court has scaled back the government job quota system that previously awarded 30% of jobs to relatives of veterans, a decision that has been a point of contention for protesters.

The unrest did not start overnight. Violent confrontations between protesters and government forces have been brewing for months. In the previous month alone, similar clashes resulted in at least 150 to 200 deaths, thousands of injuries, and around 10,000 to 11,000 arrests. Protesters continue to call for justice for those who were killed in these earlier protests.

Despite the government’s harsh measures, Prime Minister Hasina has extended an olive branch, offering to talk with student leaders. However, these leaders have firmly refused her offer, demanding nothing short of her resignation. This adamant stance has only heightened the political tension in the country.

Protesters have also targeted state-owned establishments and key facilities during the clashes, further disrupting daily operations and exacerbating the economic toll on the nation. The sustained and extensive violence has prompted international attention and concern, as the crisis shows no signs of abating.

As Bangladesh continues to grapple with this internal crisis, the humanitarian implications are escalating. With hospitals, law enforcement, and essential services being targeted, the strain on the country’s infrastructure is immense. Observers are keeping a close watch on how the government and protesters navigate this fragile and volatile situation.