Nearly 1,000 Indian students return from Bangladesh, 4,000 still remain
- In Reports
- 08:07 PM, Jul 20, 2024
- Myind Staff
Amid ongoing civil unrest in Bangladesh, the Indian High Commission in Dhaka is facilitating the safe return of Indian students to crossing points along the India-Bangladesh International Border. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is coordinating with civil aviation, immigration authorities, land ports, and the Border Security Force (BSF) to ensure a smooth journey for Indian nationals.
To date, 778 Indian students have returned to India via different land ports. Additionally, about 200 students have been repatriated through regular flight services from Dhaka and Chittagong airports, according to a statement by the MEA. The High Commission remains in constant communication with over 4,000 students who are still studying at various universities across Bangladesh. Requests from students of Nepal and Bhutan seeking assistance to enter India have also been addressed.
"Numerous students had already purchased air tickets. However, due to the curfew and subsequent flight cancellations, they were unable to reach the airport," said an Indian student who recently returned from Bangladesh. "Many Indian students are still residing in university hostels where the situation remains calm and peaceful."
The Indian High Commission in Dhaka is collaborating with Bangladesh's civil aviation authorities and commercial airlines to ensure continuous flight services from Dhaka and Chittagong to India. These flights are available for Indian nationals to safely return home.
Bangladesh has experienced significant turmoil this week due to clashes involving student protesters, security officials, and pro-government student activists. The unrest revolves around a controversial quota system for government jobs. The escalating violence has led protest organisers to declare a nationwide shutdown. In response to the unrest, universities across the country have closed indefinitely.
Protests that started at the end of last month intensified on Monday at Dhaka University, Bangladesh's largest university, where student activists clashed violently with police and counter-protesters aligned with the ruling Awami League.
The protests are centered around a quota system that reserves up to 30% of government jobs for family members of veterans who fought in Bangladesh's 1971 war of independence against Pakistan. Demonstrators argue that this system is discriminatory and unfairly advantages supporters of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's Awami League party. They are calling for a merit-based system to replace the current quota arrangement.
The situation in Bangladesh has intensified, prompting soldiers to patrol cities in an effort to suppress civil unrest. Riot police have resorted to firing on protesters who defied a government-imposed curfew, creating a highly volatile and hazardous atmosphere.
This week's violence has tragically led to at least 115 deaths, presenting a formidable challenge to Prime Minister Hasina's government. The imposition of the curfew, which began at midnight, was followed by a request from the Prime Minister's office for military deployment after police efforts to control widespread disorder proved inadequate.
"The army has been deployed across the country to maintain law and order," stated Bangladesh armed forces spokesperson Shahdat Hossain to news agency AFP. Local media reports indicate that the curfew will be in place until 21st July.
Image Source: Hindustan Times
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