At Least 32 Children Killed In Bangladesh Protests: UNICEF

The recent anti-government protests in Bangladesh have sparked nationwide clashes between police and university students. The protests erupted after quotas were imposed on government jobs. As per reports, over 200 people were killed in the violent clashes. Meanwhile, the UN's children's agency said on Friday that at least 32 children were killed during the protests.

“UNICEF has now confirmed that at least 32 children were killed during July’s protests, with many more injured and detained. This is a terrible loss," said Sanjay Wijesekera, UNICEF regional director for South Asia, in a statement. Sanjay Wijesekera also said he had been made aware of reports of children being detained during a recent visit to Bangladesh. “Children and young people are the future of Bangladesh. They should be protected when they speak up," UNICEF's regional director said.

At the same time, new protests erupted in the country on Friday, leaving two people reportedly dead and more than 100 injured. According to the Associated Press, over 2,000 protesters gathered in Dhaka, rallying against Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government and demanding justice for the families of the people killed in violence during protests in July.