At least 95 people are confirmed dead after anti-government protests in Bangladesh’s capital Dhaka on Sunday.

Police fired tear gas and stun grenades to try and scatter the tens of thousands of protesters who had gathered at Dhaka’s central Shahbagh Square.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina shut the internet and other communication channels. Schools and universities have also been closed. The government also announced a three-day general holiday, starting on Monday.

The death toll, which included 14 police officers, is the highest from any protest in recent Bangladesh history.

Prime Minister Hasina has labelled all protesters as “terrorists” as she responded to those calling for her resignation.

“Those who are protesting on the streets right now are not students, but terrorists who are out to destabilise the nation,” she said after meeting with the national security panel.

“I appeal to our countrymen to suppress these terrorists with a strong hand.”

There has been a lot of political unrest in Bangladesh this year, which led to protests back in July as student groups opposed against quotas for government jobs.

During the July protests over 150 people were killed and thousands more were injured. Police also made over 10,000 arrests during these protests.

Hasina was elected into power for a fourth straight term in January this year, after her main opponents boycotted the election. Protests have become a major obstacle during her time in power.

Photo: by Derek Blackadder is available HERE and is used under a Creative Commons Licence. This image has not been modified.