Bangladesh: Protests, Violence Mar Prime Minister Hasina's Reelection

Mass March Planned, Paramilitary Deployed

Protesters in Bangladesh have called for a mass march on the residence of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday, setting up a potential showdown with security forces. Hasina, 76, has deployed every force at her service onto the streets, including a feared paramilitary unit whose leaders have been accused of human rights abuses.

A mass protest on Sunday left some 55 people dead as demonstrators clashed with police and paramilitary forces. The violence erupted after the announcement of the results of a parliamentary election, which Hasina's party won by a landslide. The opposition alleges the election was rigged, and international observers have expressed concerns about the fairness of the vote.

The fresh round of violence has brought the death toll to more than 20 since the protests began. Hundreds of others have been injured, and hundreds more have been arrested. The government has imposed a nationwide internet blackout and has deployed troops to quell the unrest.

Hasina, who has been in power since 2009, has vowed to crush the protests. She has accused the opposition of trying to overthrow the government and has warned that she will not tolerate any violence.

The situation in Bangladesh is fluid, and it is unclear how the protests will end. However, the violence and the government's heavy-handed response have raised concerns about the state of democracy in the country.