Violence flares up as police and protesters confront at Rampura in the capital on Friday. In response to mob throwing brick chips, police fire shotgun pellets at them. — FE Photo 
The government decided on Friday night to enforce curfew countrywide from 12:00 midnight and deploy army to help the civil administration in containing widespread violence in the wake of violent clashes that left over 50 killed so far.
The decision came following a meeting of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina with leaders of the 14-party alliance at Ganobhaban, according to TV reports.
At least twenty-five more lives were lost and scores hurt while economic activity stalled as anarchy continued to reign supreme in different areas of the country on the second day of 'complete shutdown' enforced by quota protesters on Friday.
The casualties were reported from Dhaka and other areas in the wake of sporadic clashes at different flashpoints in the virtually besieged capital on the day.
With Friday's deaths the toll in the last three days of street fights crossed 50, sending shockwaves through the country and beyond.
Seemingly an unprecedented 'student power' movement took on new dimensions with opposition political parties, who had long been locked in anti-government agitation, took to streets in solidarity with the quota-reform activists.
"Dhaka's few flashpoints, including city-heart Paltan area, looked like battlegrounds," says a firsthand report quoting eyewitnesses to violent clashes between demonstrators and law-enforcers.
Volleys of gunshots, teargas firing and cooktail blasts rocked the places of running battles, locals said.
Triangular clashes involving the quota protesters on the one side and members of law-enforcing agencies and ruling-party supporters on the other were reported from different parts of the country, too.
Huge public and private property, including state-run Bangladesh Television, Bridges Division and Disaster Management buildings, were torched or damaged during widespread violence in the last two days.
Internet blackout cut off the country from the information superhighway of communications.
Trade suffered as port-to-production links were snapped.
Already pricey daily necessaries hit new highs as supply lines largely remained cut-off.
Police, RAB and BGB as well as ruling-party activists started trying to take control of the key city intersection from early hours in the city's Mohammadpur Bus Stand, Dhanmondi 27, Shankar, Science Lab, Newmarket, Azimpur, Rampura, Badda, Mahakhali areas which resulted in bloodsheds as 'quota reformists' also continued to stitch to the ground.
Tearshell, rubber bullet, lethal bullet, sound grenades were used by law enforcers against the protestors while quota reformists also were seen using wooden and bamboo sticks, brickbats in the clash.
Protestors tried to wrest control over Mohammadpur, Dhanmondi 27, Shankar, Aarong- Rapa Plaza Mor, Sukrabad, Science Lab Mor, Rampura, Jatrabari, Paltan and elsewhere in the city from Thursday last.
Meanwhile, activists of the ruling party's youth organisation Jubo League were seen taking position with sticks and sharp local weapons to thwart the protesters at different spots including Farmgate, Karwan Bazaar, Kakrail and Paltan on the day.
Members of police, BGB took position in key hotspots to check any untoward incidents.
BNP activists attempted to gather and picket near the party office in Naya Paltan and Kakrail intersection.
They set fire in different points hurled brick chips. Members of police and BGB dispersed the them using tearshells.
A group of Jubo-League activists locked into clashes with protesters at Bijoy Nagar area at around 5.00pm.
Both sides hurled brick chips and stones towards each other, later police dispersed them throwing tear shells.
Meanwhile, panic engulfed the city's common people as many spots were occupied by armed vehicles of police and BGB.
People mostly remained at their homes to stay safe. However those who went out for living or other unavoidable causes had to suffer mainly due to closure of many important roads and unavailability of vehicles.
A resident of Panthopath area, in the city, Safwan Munshi, said he was waiting for more than an hour at Karwan Bazar intersection at 4.30pm.
"I am puzzled. I don't know what to do now as there is no public bus, some CNG three wheelers and rickshaws are moving, but they are asking for exorbitant charges," he said. He was trying to go to Dhaka Medical where his niece was admitted for treatment.
A significant number of people were also seen walking long distances to reach their destinations.
Most of the businesses including shopping malls, eateries, fashion outlets remained closed while only emergency services including pharmacies and grocers were operating on the day.
However, a statement, issued by Abdul Kader, one of the coordinators of the student protesters voiced their nine-point demand including seeking unconditional apology by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to the nation, taking the responsibility for killing of all students.
They also demanded resignation of Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, Road and Transport and Bridge Minister Obaidul Quader from the existing cabinet and their party Bangladesh Awami League as well.
They also sought removal of Deputy Inspector General (DIGs), Police Commissioners, and Police Supers in the areas where the students were shot dead during the protest.
They also sought resignation of vice chancellors and proctors of Dhaka University, Jahangirnagar University and Rajshahi University.
The agitating students also demanded banning AL student-wing Chattra League from Dhaka University, Jahangirnagar University, Rajshahi University and Chittagong University.
Compensation must be provided to the families of the students who were martyred and injured during the protest movement, said the statement.
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