Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has attributed the recent deadly unrest to her political adversaries, stating she was “forced” to impose a curfew for public safety. Speaking in Dhaka, she assured that the curfew would be lifted as soon as the situation improves.

Her remarks followed a court ruling that removed most job quotas for government positions, which has led to weeks of violent protests.

Read more: Students Of Bangladesh Halt Protests For 48 Hours

The unrest, which has resulted in over 150 deaths and intensified calls for Hasina’s resignation, is blamed by her on the Bangladesh Nationalist Party and Jamaat-e-Islami, along with their student groups.

Analysts view the situation as a significant challenge for Hasina, who won a fourth term in January amid a controversial election.

The protests, primarily led by university students, erupted after the court’s decision to reduce job quota reservations for the descendants of war veterans. Hasina’s dismissal of the protesters’ grievances and her comments on the quota system have fueled further demonstrations.

The government has responded with a curfew, military deployment, and suspension of mobile internet services. Student leaders are demanding justice for the protesters and the resignation of government officials.