The government early today imposed a nationwide curfew and deployed armed forces to assist the civil administration in ensuring national security and protecting lives and properties.

The Public Security Division under the home ministry issued a gazette notification to this end last night.

The curfew will remain in effect till 10:00am Sunday with a two-hour break from noon to 2:00pm Saturday, according to private TV channels.

Emergency services and media will remain out of its purview.

According to the home ministry notification, a countrywide curfew has been declared from today under section 24 (1) of the Special Powers Act, 1974.

During the curfew, district magistrates and police commissioners of the metropolitan areas will take necessary measures to deploy armed forces in aid to the civil administration under the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898.

They will enforce the curfew and take steps for deployment of the armed forces as per their requirement under their respective jurisdictions.

The move came after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina held meetings with top Awami League leaders, ministers and leaders of the AL-led 14-party alliance at the Gono Bhaban last night.

At the meeting, the 14-party leaders requested the PM to take strict measures to tackle the ongoing crisis.

They also sought support from the countrymen in this regard.

Briefing reporters after the meeting, Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader said, "It is indeed a curfew." A "shoot-at-sight" order has already been issued, he added.

At the meeting, the PM informed that she had cancelled her visit to Spain scheduled for July 21-23. 

Sources at the meeting said 14-party leaders demanded a quick report of the judicial investigation launched into the killing of six quota reform protesters on Tuesday.

They also demanded punishment to those responsible for the killings and urged the state to take responsibilities of the victims' families.