Bangladesh's Sheikh Hasina Faces Backlash Over Protest Crackdown

Public outrage grows as government accused of using excessive force to quell demonstrations against job quotas, leading to over 150 deaths.

Nationwide protests began in universities over job quotas, expanding into broader anti-government demonstrations.
Security forces used rubber bullets, tear gas, and sound grenades; reports indicate live rounds may have been used despite government denials.
Critics accuse Hasina of becoming increasingly autocratic, citing mass arrests, forced disappearances, and extrajudicial killings.
Hasina's emotional visit to a vandalized train station drew criticism for perceived lack of empathy towards victims of the violence.
The unrest highlights deep-seated issues like youth unemployment and economic stagnation exacerbated by inflation and slow growth.