Bangladesh Protests: 1,000 Indian Students Return, 4,000 Still There

This week’s violence in Bangladesh has resulted in at least 115 deaths. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is collaborating with various authorities such as civil aviation, immigration, land ports, and the Border Security Force (BSF) to ensure a smooth passage for Indian nationals.

So far, 778 Indian students have successfully returned to India via various land ports. The Indian High Commission is maintaining regular contact with over 4,000 students who are still in different universities across Bangladesh.

Additionally, students from Nepal and Bhutan have also received assistance in crossing into India upon request. Many Indian students had booked air tickets but were unable to reach the airport due to the ongoing curfew, with several flights being canceled.

There are still numerous Indian students residing in hostels at universities where the environment remains peaceful, as per a student who returned from Bangladesh. The High Commission in Dhaka is also working with Bangladesh’s civil aviation authorities and commercial airlines to ensure uninterrupted flight services to India from Dhaka and Chittagong for Indian nationals to return home.

The escalating violence has led protest organizers to call for a nationwide shutdown, resulting in universities across the country closing indefinitely in response to the unrest. Protesters are advocating for a change in the quota system, which currently reserves up to 30% of government jobs for family members of veterans who fought in Bangladesh’s 1971 war of independence against Pakistan.

They argue that this system is discriminatory and disproportionately benefits supporters of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League party. Riot police have fired on protesters who defied a government-imposed curfew, creating a volatile and dangerous environment.

Following the widespread disorder, the government has secured military deployment nationwide to control the law and order situation. The curfew will remain in effect until at least 10:00 am on Sunday, according to local media.

This week’s violence poses a significant challenge to Prime Minister Hasina’s government.