Bangladesh mourns some 200 deaths as student protests wind down and thousands are arrested

DHAKA, Bangladesh (AP) — Bangladesh observed a day of mourning Tuesday in memory of more than 200 people killed in recent weeks during violence that evolved from student protests over the South Asian country's quota system for government jobs.

After weeks of peaceful protests by students looking to change the system — which reserved 30% of government jobs for relatives of veterans and those who were raped during the war of independence against Pakistan in 1971 — violence erupted July 15 when activists of a student wing of the ruling party attacked demonstrators. Security officials opened fire, using tear gas and rubber bullets to try to quell the violence.

The quota protests posed the most serious challenge to Bangladesh’s government since Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina won a fourth consecutive term in January elections that the main opposition groups boycotted. The ruling Awami League party and opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party have often accused each other of fueling political chaos and violence, most recently ahead of the country’s national election, which was marred by a crackdown on several opposition figures.

Government officials — including those at the Bangladesh Secretariat, the top office containing most of the country’s ministers and bureaucrats — wore black badges Tuesday to mourn those killed as the country crawls back to normalcy with the strict curfew being relaxed in recent days. Authorities also asked all mosques, temples and other religious installations to organize special prayers Tuesday for the dead.

Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan put the overall death toll at 150, while the country’s leading Bengali-language daily, Prothom Alo, said 211 people were killed since July 16. Thousands of others have been injured.

Media reports said about 10,000 people have been arrested over the past two weeks in relation to clashes at protests and other attacks on state properties. Rights groups have called for an end to arbitrary arrests, and critics accused the government of using excessive force to tamp down the fighting.

“The mass arrest and arbitrary detention of student protesters is a witch hunt by the authorities to silence anyone who dares to challenge the government and is a tool to further perpetuate a climate of fear," Smriti Singh, regional director for South Asia at Amnesty International, said in a statement Monday. “Reports suggest that these arrests are entirely politically motivated, in retaliation for the exercise of human rights.”

The government has defended its position, saying that the arrests were being made on specific charges.

Six of the protest coordinators being held in custody by the Detective Branch of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police released a statement calling off the protests, but other demonstrators rejected the video statement, claiming it was coerced. They say they will protest until all nine of their demands are met, including a public apology from Hasina.

Police said the six coordinators were taken into custody for their safety, and their families met them on Monday. A video was posted showing the six coordinators having meals with the head of the Detective Branch in Dhaka.

Also on Monday, some student protesters briefly attempted to regroup, but police foiled their attempts.

Protesters said the 30% quota was discriminatory and benefited supporters of Hasina, whose Awami League party led the independence movement, and wanted it replaced by a merit-based system.

On July 21, the Supreme Court ordered that the 1971 war veterans’ quota be cut to 5%. Of the remainder, 93% of civil service jobs would be merit-based, while the remaining 2% would be reserved for members of ethnic minorities, transgender people and those with disabilities. Two days later, the government accepted the ruling and pledged to execute the decision.

Both broadband and mobile data services were restored Tuesday after a dayslong internet blackout, but social media platforms including Facebook remained blocked. Banks and offices opened under a relaxed curfew. Schools and other educational institutions were closed with no opening date yet set as police continued to grapple with protesters.

Activists play music and sing during a song march to remember victims of the recent countrywide deadly clashes, in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Tuesday, July 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Rajib Dhar)

Activists clash with the police during a song march to remember victims of the recent countrywide deadly clashes, in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Tuesday, July 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Rajib Dhar)

Activists shout slogans during a song march to remember victims of the recent countrywide deadly clashes, in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Tuesday, July 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Rajib Dhar)

Activists clash with the police as they stage a song march to remember victims of the recent countrywide deadly clashes, in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Tuesday, July 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Rajib Dhar)

A man walks inside a burnt studio of the state-owned Bangladesh Television (BTV) in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Wednesday, July 24, 2024. (AP Photo/Rajib Dhar)

Members of the leftist students organisations shout slogans as they march in a protest rally towards Bangladesh Deputy High Commission office with posters in Kolkata, India, Thursday, July 25, 2024, in solidarity with protesting students in Bangladesh. (AP Photo/Bikas Das)

Robiul Bashar is anguished as both of his twin sons were arrested and are transported in a police van in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Thursday, July 25, 2024. Media reports say that several people have been arrested in recent days across the country after more than a week of chaos triggered by student protests over a quota system in government jobs. (AP Photo/Rajib Dhar)

A handcuffed prisoner's hands are raised as he is taken to a court in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Thursday, July 25, 2024. Media reports say that several people have been arrested in recent days across the country after more than a week of chaos triggered by student protests over a quota system in government jobs. (AP Photo/Rajib Dhar)

A hospital staff member helps pin a black ribbon on another's shirt during the national mourning day, declared by the Bangladesh government to remember victims of the recent countrywide deadly clashes, in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Tuesday, July 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Rajib Dhar)

Military personnel stand guard in front of a large cutout portrait of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina during the national mourning day, declared by the Bangladesh government to remember victims of the recent countrywide deadly clashes, in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Tuesday, July 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Rajib Dhar)

People wear black ribbons during the national mourning day, declared by the Bangladesh government to remember victims of the recent countrywide deadly clashes, in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Tuesday, July 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Rajib Dhar)

Military personnel patrol with a black flag on their vehicle during the national mourning day, declared by the Bangladesh government to remember victims of the recent countrywide deadly clashes, in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Tuesday, July 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Rajib Dhar)

CLEVELAND (AP) — Rookie Kyle Manzardo hit a two-run, go-ahead homer in the eighth inning and Emmanuel Clase recorded his 46th save as the Cleveland Guardians rallied to beat the Minnesota Twins 4-3 on Monday night to tighten their grip on the AL Central.

With Josh Naylor on second after a double, Manzardo connected on the first pitch from Griffin Jax (4-5), sending it deep into the right-field seats for his third homer to trigger an eruption of joy in Cleveland's dugout and throughout Progressive Field.

“I'm so happy for him,” said Guardians manager Stephen Vogt, who was overcome with emotion during his postgame news conference. “Everyone who grows up wanting to play baseball has dreamed of that moment happening. The smile on his face looking back at our dugout, that was incredible.”

Vogt paused to compose himself.

“My favorite part is Naylor at second base standing there watching it and cheering, waiting for him at home plate with a smile on his face,” Vogt said, his eyes reddened by tears. “To see two teammates come together like that, that's powerful stuff.”

Manzardo said his trip around the bases was unforgettable.

“I floated a little bit,” he said. “I don’t remember all of it, honestly.”

Their MLB-leading 40th come-from-behind win moved the Guardians 7 1/2 games ahead of the defending division champion Twins. It also reduced Cleveland's magic number for clinching a playoff berth to two.

Clase, who has built a strong argument for Cy Young consideration, worked the ninth for his 33rd consecutive save and No. 46 this season, tying him with José Mesa (1995) for the club's single-season record.

“It’s really special,” Clase said of catching Mesa. “It's all about the focus, being able to stay focused on every single pitch and to execute every single pitch when I get the chance to pitch.”

Rookie Andrew Walters (1-0) picked up his first career win as Cleveland's top-ranked bullpen threw 6 1/3 scoreless innings to bail out starter Matthew Boyd, who didn't get out of the third.

Pablo López pitched into the seventh inning for the Twins, but Minnesota's bullpen couldn't protect the lead.

Byron Buxton hit a two-run single for the Twins, who dropped to 8-2 against the Guardians in 2024.

Minnesota's division chances are essentially done, and every loss puts a possible wild-card spot in jeopardy.

“Our margin of error keeps shrinking and shrinking,” said López. "Now it's to the point we got to take it one game at a time, one pitch at a time, one at-bat at a time. Today will be a tough pill to swallow.

“We still have a shot. Everyone's aware of the standings. There's a scoreboard wherever you go.”

The Twins took a 3-0 lead in the third and chased Boyd, who gave up a double to Carlos Correa and then hurt himself by loading the bases with a pair of two-out walks.

Correa scored on a passed ball and Buxton brought in Minnesota's next two runs with a single that deflected off Boyd's glove into center. As Guardians second baseman Giménez tried to reach it behind the bag, he collided with umpire Chad Fairchild, who was doing all he could to get out of the way.

Giménez needed a few minutes to gather himself but stayed in.

KWAN UPDATE

Guardians All-Star left fielder and leadoff hitter Steven Kwan missed his fourth straight game with lower back soreness. Kwan went through a strenuous pregame workout and Vogt said the team should have a better handle on a timeframe for Kwan's return Tuesday.

Kwan is batting just .201 in the second half after leading MLB with a .352 average at the All-Star break.

TRAINER'S ROOM

Guardians: Vogt said RHP Alex Cobb (middle finger blister) is scheduled to throw a bullpen in “the next couple days” and providing there no setbacks, he's expected to be sent out for a minor league rehab start. The 36-year-old has only made three starts since Cleveland acquired him in a July trade from San Francisco.

UP NEXT

Guardians RHP Gavin Williams (3-9, 5.23 ERA) starts Tuesday's game against Twins rookie RHP Zebby Matthews (1-3, 7.11).

AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb

Cleveland Guardians relief pitcher Emmanuel Clase, front right, celebrates with catcher Austin Hedges, left, after they defeated the Minnesota Twins in a baseball game Monday, Sept. 16, 2024, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

Cleveland Guardians catcher Austin Hedges, left, and relief pitcher Emmanuel Clase, right, celebrate after they defeated the Minnesota Twins in a baseball game Monday, Sept. 16, 2024, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

Cleveland Guardians' Kyle Manzardo, right, celebrates as he runs the bases with a home run in the eighth inning of a baseball game against the Minnesota Twins, Monday, Sept. 16, 2024, in Cleveland. Twins' third baseman Royce Lewis is at left. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

Minnesota Twins' Carlos Santana (30) watches his single with Cleveland Guardians catcher Bo Naylor, left, in the sixth inning of a baseball game Monday, Sept. 16, 2024, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Pablo Lopez (49) reacts as he is taken out of the game by manager Rocco Baldelli, left, in the seventh inning of a baseball game, Monday, Sept. 16, 2024, in Cleveland. Twins's Carlos Correa is at right. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

Cleveland Guardians manager Stephen Vogt, left, gestures to home plate umpire Carlos Torres after Bo Naylor, right, was called out on strikes in the fifth inning of a baseball game against the Minnesota Twins, Monday, Sept. 16, 2024, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher Matthew Boyd (16) is taken out by manager Stephen Vogt, left, in the third inning of a baseball game against the Minnesota Twins, Monday, Sept. 16, 2024, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

Cleveland Guardians' Matthew Boyd pitches in the first inning of a baseball game against the Minnesota Twins, Monday, Sept. 16, 2024, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

Cleveland Guardians second baseman Andres Gimenez, second from left, is checked out after colliding with second base umpire Chad Fairchild in the third inning of a baseball game against the Minnesota Twins, Monday, Sept. 16, 2024, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

Minnesota Twins center fielder Byron Buxton crashes into the outfield padding after catching a fly ball for an out against Cleveland Guardians' Bo Naylor in the second inning of a baseball game Monday, Sept. 16, 2024, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

Minnesota Twins' Ryan Jeffers, center, gets high-fives in the dugout after scoring in the third inning of a baseball game against the Cleveland Guardians, Monday, Sept. 16, 2024, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

Minnesota Twins center fielder Byron Buxton jumps to catch a fly ball for an out against Cleveland Guardians' Bo Naylor in the second inning of a baseball game Monday, Sept. 16, 2024, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

Minnesota Twins' Pablo Lopez pitches in the first inning of a baseball game against the Cleveland Guardians, Monday, Sept. 16, 2024, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

Cleveland Guardians right fielder Will Brennan catches a fly ball for an out against Minnesota Twins' Will Castro in the fourth inning of a baseball game Monday, Sept. 16, 2024, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

Cleveland Guardians' Josh Naylor gestures from second base after hitting a double in the eighth inning of a baseball game against the Minnesota Twins, Monday, Sept. 16, 2024, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

Cleveland Guardians third baseman Jose Ramirez catches a foul ball for an out against Minnesota Twins' Carlos Santana in the fourth inning of a baseball game Monday, Sept. 16, 2024, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

Cleveland Guardians relief pitcher Emmanuel Clase reacts after his teams defeated the Minnesota Twins in a baseball game Monday, Sept. 16, 2024, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

Cleveland Guardians' Emmanuel Clase pitches in the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Minnesota Twins, Monday, Sept. 16, 2024, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

Cleveland Guardians' Kyle Manzardo reacts as he runs the bases after hitting a home run in the eighth inning of a baseball game against the Minnesota Twins, Monday, Sept. 16, 2024, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)