A nationwide internet shutdown also remained in place as students clashed with the police over a recently reinstated government jobs quota. The agitation has escalated sharply since Monday — the biggest challenge to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina since she won a fourth consecutive term in office.

The demonstrations could also slow the economy further at a time when Bangladesh is seeking funds from creditors and the International Monetary Fund to bolster dwindling foreign-exchange reserves.

An internet blackout implemented by the Bangladesh government on Friday remains in place. Local media reports indicate that the shutdown has affected ATM services and mobile money companies.

Protesters set fire to several government buildings on Friday — including the state broadcaster, the national disaster management agency and a toll plaza. Hackers also defaced the official Bangladesh police website with messages describing the protest as “a war for justice, for freedom, and for our future."

Authorities have already stopped bus and train services, and shut down schools and universities across the country. The curbs remained in place on Saturday.

Several rallies have been held in the capital city of Dhaka this week despite a police ban on public gatherings that was imposed on Friday. Tens of thousands of young and angry Bangladeshis gathering on the streets each day are no longer calling for a policy change but instead demanding an end to Hasina's tenure.

The government has deployed police and paramilitary forces across the capital to lock down campuses and break up protests. According to reports, police and security officials in Bangladesh fired bullets and tear gas at protesters on Saturday.

The safety and security on huge question mark yet again showing the failure of Hasina's hold on the Nation.

Author-Dewan Wazer Chowdhury, Creative director- Daily Dazzling Dawn.