The Bangladesh Police Association has announced a strike following the violent suppression of protests that resulted in Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's ousting.
The association, representing thousands of police officers, declared the strike to ensure the security of its members and apologized for the force used against demonstrators. This decision came after a tumultuous period in which the military, led by General Waker-Uz-Zaman, took control and established an interim government.
Prime Minister Hasina, who had been in power since 2009, resigned amid accusations of election rigging and massive public unrest. Over the past month, millions protested, demanding her resignation.
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Despite the government's heavy-handed response, which resulted in hundreds of deaths, including several policemen, the demonstrations persisted. Ultimately, the military's withdrawal of support led to Hasina fleeing the country.
The police force, which had remained loyal primarily to Hasina during the unrest, now faces backlash from protesters. The police association's statement highlighted the pressures faced by officers, claiming they were compelled to use lethal force and were subsequently vilified.
The association emphasized the need for security guarantees for police personnel before resuming their duties.
