Brotherhood - The situation in Egypt is critical after 19 people were killed in a massive clash with security forces

The Dhaka Times Desk The overall situation in the country is fragile after at least 19 people were killed in massive clashes between the Brotherhood and supporters of ousted President Muhammad Morsi with the security forces in Egypt.

Hundreds were injured in that incident. However, the news media quoted local eyewitnesses as saying that the death toll was actually much higher. The police and the army ambushed them during the anti-government protests across the country last Friday.

According to the media, security forces fired bullets and tear gas at this time. Casualties occurred in the capital Cairo as well as in the cities of Alexandria, Suez, Ismailia and Fayyum. Clashes also took place in the Asyut and Sinai regions, but no one was killed in those areas.

Security forces detained at least 122 protesters during Friday's clashes, media reported. Morsi supporters and Brotherhood activists called for massive anti-government protests after Friday prayers to demand an end to military rule and reflect opposition views in the new constitution. Security forces opened fire when they started protesting in the streets after Friday prayers. At that time, a violent situation arose between both sides.

The new constitution bans the Muslim Brotherhood as it did under former dictator Hosni Mubarak. A referendum on this constitution is scheduled to be held very soon. In addition, the people are angry about the trial of President Morsi, who was deposed in a military coup. Brotherhood leaders and activists even called for Morsi to return power.

"We are not afraid of anyone," the protesters told the media. We love Egypt, we do what we do for the love of Egypt. We want an early end to military rule.”

It should be noted that after the ouster of President Mohamed Morsi, who was elected by a military coup in July 2012, the protests that started in Egypt recently with the drafting of a new constitution took a new form. Brotherhood leaders and supporters feel that the party that was in power in the country even a year ago did not reflect their views in the new constitution.