The latest updates on the quota reform movement have become challenging to obtain and share due to restricted or disconnected internet access across the country, including Dhaka. Internet-based calls to Bangladesh from various parts of the world are also impossible. This information has been reported by various international media outlets.
Recent reports indicate that the death toll in the quota movement has reached 18, with six fatalities occurring on Thursday. However, the actual number may be higher, as unverified reports on social media suggest the death toll could be as high as 35. No official confirmation has been provided.
In addition, several international media outlets reported that protesters set fire to the BTV (Bangladesh Television) building on Thursday evening.
Since Thursday evening, there have been reports of an internet shutdown in Dhaka. Before the shutdown, updates on Facebook indicated that protesters had set fire to the BTV building, with images circulating on social media. There were also reports and pictures of a metro train set ablaze.
A post on BTV's official Facebook page stated that several people were trapped inside the building. Initially, it was reported that the fire brigade was not allowed to access the site, but later updates confirmed that firefighters had arrived. BTV's broadcast had already been halted by that time.
Various sources have reported different death tolls. AFP stated that 32 people have died, most of them on Thursday.
Among the dead were at least two journalists, one from Dhaka Times who died in the capital and another killed in an attack in Gazipur. The Gazipur incident has not been confirmed.
Media reports also mentioned that protesters set fire to a police station before targeting the BTV building. The BBC quoted Information Minister Mohammad Ali Arafat, who said that some people were trapped inside the BTV building and were not safe.