In the wake of severe unrest and a rising death toll, Bangladesh authorities have issued "shoot-on-sight" orders to police as the country grapples with widespread riots.

The unrest, which was sparked by protests over civil service hiring rules, has resulted in 133 fatalities, with tensions mounting between police and university students.

The violence, which began as a protest against politicized admission quotas for coveted government positions, has escalated under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s administration. The situation has been exacerbated by a nationwide curfew and an ongoing internet blackout that has severely restricted communication and information flow.

Soldiers have been deployed to patrol cities after riot police failed to contain the unrest. The Supreme Court was scheduled to deliberate on Sunday regarding the contentious job quotas, which have been a flashpoint in the protests.

Prime Minister Hasina hinted earlier this week that the government might abandon the controversial quota system. However, critics argue that the judiciary is being manipulated to support the government’s agenda. The anticipated court decision is unlikely to quell the growing public anger in the face of the intensified crackdown and mounting casualties. (ILKHA)