At least 39 people have been killed in violent clashes between student protesters and riot police in Bangladesh.
The protesters are calling for an end to a quota system that reserves over half of civil service posts for specific groups.
Also, 104 police officers and 30 journalists have been reported injured in the unrest.
Bangladesh woke up on Friday to survey the destruction caused by Thursday’s deadliest day of protests, which saw several government buildings destroyed.
The chaos has led to a nationwide internet blackout.
This week alone, at least 39 people have been killed, including 32 on Thursday, with the death toll expected to rise.
Clashes have been reported in nearly half of the country’s 64 districts.
A police statement mentioned widespread vandalism and arson by protesters targeting police and government offices, including the Dhaka headquarters of state broadcaster Bangladesh Television, which remains offline after being stormed and set ablaze by students.
Faruk Hossain, a spokesman for Dhaka’s police, reported that around 50 police booths were burned.
The police warned that continued destruction would lead to stronger enforcement measures.
Reports indicate that police gunfire was responsible for most of the fatalities, according to hospital sources.
Thursday’s clashes were reported in at least 26 districts, with over 700 injuries, including 104 police officers and 30 journalists.
The student protests, occurring almost daily this month, demand the end of a quota system perceived to favor children of pro-government groups supporting Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Critics argue the system entrenches Hasina’s power, as she has ruled since 2009 and won a fourth consecutive election in January.
In response to the unrest, Hasina’s government has indefinitely closed schools and universities and stepped up police efforts to restore order.
Despite a national address by Hasina on the now-offline state broadcaster, students vowed to continue their campaign.
“Our first demand is that the prime minister must apologise to us,” said protester Bidisha Rimjhim, 18, on Thursday.
“Secondly, justice must be ensured for our killed brothers.”
