Following intense clashes between police and demonstrators in cities across Bangladesh, including Dhaka, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced that 778 Indian students have been safely repatriated via land ports, bringing the total number of returnees to 998.
The MEA highlighted that the High Commission of India in Dhaka, along with the Assistant High Commissions in Chittagong, Rajshahi, Sylhet, and Khulna, have been instrumental in facilitating these repatriation efforts amidst the ongoing unrest.
“The High Commission of India in Dhaka and our Assistant High Commissions are in regular touch with more than 4,000 students remaining in various universities in Bangladesh and are providing necessary assistance,” the MEA stated.
In response to the escalating violence, security arrangements have been put in place to ensure the safe transit of students. The High Commission is working with Bangladeshi civil aviation authorities and airlines to ensure flight services continue without disruption.
The violence erupted following student-led protests against a controversial government job quota system. The protests, which have been fueled by frustration over high unemployment and a reinstated quota system, have resulted in at least 115 deaths this week, according to reports by AFP.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government has responded by deploying the military and imposing a nationwide curfew. Although the curfew was briefly lifted on Saturday, it will remain in effect until 10 a.m. on Sunday, pending a reassessment by the authorities.
“The rising death toll is a shocking indictment of the absolute intolerance shown by the Bangladeshi authorities to protest and dissent,” stated Babu Ram Pant of Amnesty International.