Dhaka: Protesters set fire to the headquarters of Bangladesh’s main state broadcaster, BTV on Thursday, trapping "many people" inside its offices, according to the network.

Hundreds of demonstrators stormed the BTV premises in Dhaka’s Rampura neighbourhood, setting ablaze at least 60 vehicles and an office building, an official told AFP on condition of anonymity.

The violence erupted after police fired on the protesters at a nearby police post. In response, the demonstrators chased the officers to the BTV office, where they caused extensive damage and chaos.

A post on BTV’s verified Facebook page described the fire as “catastrophic” and “spreading fast,” appealing for the Fire Service’s assistance and reporting that many individuals were trapped inside.

This attack comes amid a violent crackdown by Bangladesh's police on ongoing student protests demanding reforms to civil service hiring regulations. At least 22 people have died in clashes over the past week. Agencies