The student group leading the escalating protests in Bangladesh, which have resulted in deadly violence, paused their demonstrations for 48 hours on Monday. The group’s leader clarified that their aim for reform was not meant to result in such significant bloodshed.

Initially focused on opposing politicized quotas for government jobs, the protests have become some of the most severe unrest during Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s rule. A curfew and military patrols have been instituted nationwide, with an internet blackout since Thursday curbing information flow.

Read more: Bangladesh Court Overturns Job Quotas that Sparked Protests

“We are halting the protests for 48 hours,” announced Nahid Islam, leader of Students Against Discrimination, from his hospital bed, recovering from injuries allegedly caused by undercover police. Islam urged the government to lift the curfew, restore internet access, and cease targeting student protesters during this period.

Islam emphasized, “Our movement was for quota reform, not for so much bloodshed and destruction.”

Reports from police and hospitals indicate that at least 163 people, including police officers, have died in the clashes. Sporadic violence persisted on Monday, with four individuals admitted to Dhaka Medical College Hospital with gunshot wounds.

Government officials have repeatedly blamed the protesters and the opposition for the violence. Dhaka Metropolitan Police spokesman Faruk Hossain reported 532 arrests in the capital since the protests began, including leaders of the opposition Bangladesh National Party.

Ali Riaz, a political expert at Illinois State University, described the violence as “the worst massacre by any regime since independence,” criticizing the regime’s reliance on brute force and disregard for human lives.