Tensions are high in Bangladesh, with anti-government protesters and the ruling Awami League expected to hold rallies across the country on Sunday.
The demonstrations followed deadly violence last month during protests over civil service job quotas that left more than 200 people dead.
Around 10,000 people were reportedly detained in a massive crackdown by security forces over the past two weeks. Those arrested included opposition supporters and students.
Students Against Discrimination, the group behind the anti-government demonstrations, called on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to step down.
The group announced a nationwide disobedience campaign starting Sunday, urging citizens not to pay taxes or any utility bills. Students also called for the closure of all factories and public transportation.
Ms Hasina’s Awami League party also held marches across the country on Sunday.
There are fears further violence could occur as both sides prepare to hold rallies.
The next few days will be crucial for both camps.
“Sheikh Hasina should not only resign, but should also be tried for killings, looting and corruption,” Nasheed Islam, one of the leaders of the student movement, told thousands of people at a rally in Dhaka on Saturday.
The protests pose a major challenge to Ms Hasina, who was elected to a fourth consecutive term in January elections but faced resistance from the main opposition.
Last month, students took to the streets to protest against reserving many civil service jobs for relatives of veterans of Bangladesh’s 1971 war of independence with Pakistan.
Most quotas have now been reduced following the government’s ruling, but students continue to protest, demanding justice for the dead and injured. Now they want Ms Hasina to step down.
Ms Hasina’s supporters have ruled out her resignation.
Earlier, Ms Hasina offered to hold unconditional dialogue with student leaders and said she wanted the violence to end.
“I want to sit with those exciting athletic students and hear their voices. I don’t want conflict,” she said.
But student protesters rejected her offer.
Last month, Hasina called on the army to restore order after several police stations and government buildings were set ablaze during protests.
Bangladesh Army Chief General Wak-uz-Zaman held a meeting with junior officers in Dhaka to assess the security situation.
“The Bangladesh Army has always stood with the people and will continue to do so in the interest of the people and any needs of the country,” General Zaman said, according to a release from the Inter-Services Public Relations Agency.
Protests have resumed in several cities as the government struggles to contain rising anger over its initial handling of the demonstrations.
Bangladeshi media said most of those killed in last month’s protests were shot by police. Thousands were injured.
The government argued that the police fired only in self-defense and to protect state property.
