Bangladesh's main police association announced on Tuesday that its members were going on strike after they tried to suppress protests with deadly force that led to the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her resignation on Monday.
The Bangladesh Police Association, which represents thousands of police officers, said in a statement, “We are announcing a strike until the safety of every member of the police is ensured.” The association also apologised for the police action against protesters.
Leadership recalls that Bangladesh Army Chief General Waqar-uz-Zaman had announced on state television on Monday that Prime Minister Hasina had resigned and fled the country, saying the army would form an interim government.
Hasina, 76, was in power since 2009 but was accused of rigging elections in January.
Lakhs of people had taken to the streets for more than a month demanding the resignation of the Prime Minister.
Hundreds of people were killed as security forces attempted to suppress the unrest, which grew and eventually forced Hasina to flee Bangladesh by helicopter on Monday as the military turned against her.
Police have been broadly loyal to the former prime minister but said they had to face attacks from protesters after more than a month of violence that left at least 413 people dead, including many policemen.
“We demand an apology for what the police force has done to innocent students,” the Bangladesh Police Association said in a statement.
It argued that its officers were “forced to open fire” and were portrayed as “villains”.
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