Advisory Issued for Indian Citizens in Bangladesh: Travel Avoidance Recommended Amid Unrest

The recent protests in Dhaka have been prompted by a demand to reform the country’s quota system for civil service jobs. The system reserves positions for specific groups, including descendants of those who participated in the 1971 war of independence against Pakistan. The protests escalated following the government’s decision to close all public and private universities, resulting in violent clashes between students and police in various locations across Dhaka.

Protesters in Merul Badda near Brac University engaged in violent confrontations with the police, leading to multiple injuries. Additionally, demonstrators obstructed the entrance to the Bashundhara Residential Area and blocked the Dhaka-Chittagong highway in Jatrabari, causing widespread inconvenience and disrupting public transportation. The protests initially began in response to perceived police brutality but have evolved into a broader demand for justice for those injured or killed in previous demonstrations.

Protesters are also calling for a violence-free campus and rational reform of the quota system. These demonstrations reflect longstanding frustrations over both the quota system and the response of law enforcement to peaceful student movements. Amid the ongoing unrest, the Indian government is monitoring the situation and has issued a travel advisory, urging its citizens in Bangladesh to adhere to the advisory and seek assistance from the High Commission or Assistant High Commissions if needed.