In the midst of a curfew to put an end to student-led protests against government job quotas that have claimed more than 100 lives this week, Bangladeshi military patrolled Dhaka's desolate streets on Saturday. Since Thursday, internet and text messaging services have been suspended, isolating Bangladesh from the outside world while law enforcement stepped up efforts to quell protests that have persisted despite a ban on public meetings. Hospitals throughout Bangladesh have reported that thousands of people have been hurt and at least 105 people have died as a result of this week's violent conflicts. Between 5 and 7 p.m. on Friday, the Dhaka Medical College Hospital received 27 deceased bodies. The initial cause of the widespread upheaval was student outrage over new government job quotas.

International rights groups have criticised the internet suspension and actions of security forces. The European Union said it is deeply concerned by the violence and loss of life.

The curfew will remain in effect until at least 10:00 am (0400 GMT) Sunday, private broadcaster Channel 24 reported.

At least 300 Bangladeshi police officers were injured during Friday clashes with demonstrators in multiple locations around the capital Dhaka, a police spokesman told AFP on Saturday.

"At least 150 police officers were admitted to hospital. Another 150 were given first aid treatment," Dhaka Metropolitan Police spokesman Faruk Hossain told AFP.