New Delhi: The Ministry of External Affairs on Saturday provided an update on the return of students from Bangladesh, which is witnessing deadly protests over the quota system for government jobs. According to the Ministry, at least 778 Indian students have returned to India through various land ports, including 200 students through regular flight services through Dhaka and Chittagong airports.
As per an official statement, the Indian High Commission in Dhaka and the Assistant High Commissions in Chittagong, Rajshahi, Sylhet and Khulna have been assisting the return of Indian nationals home following an outbreak of violence across the nation. Measures are being taken by the High Commission and the Assistant High Commissions to facilitate safe travel to the border crossing points along the India-Bangladesh International Border.
"Thus far, 778 Indian students have returned to India through various land ports. In addition, around 200 students have returned home by regular flight services through Dhaka and Chittagong airports. The High Commission of India in Dhaka and our Assistant High Commissions are in regular touch with more than 4000 students remaining in various universities in Bangladesh and are providing necessary assistance. Students from Nepal and Bhutan have also been assisted with their crossing into India on request," further read the MEA statement.
The measures taken by Indian High Commission authorities include the arrangement of security escorts for travel by road during repatriation through select land portals. The Commission is also coordinating with civil aviation authorities of Bangladesh and commercial airlines to ensure uninterrupted flight services to India from Dhaka and Chittagong, the MEA added.
Earlier, sources informed the Indian High Commission in Dhaka on Friday that it is coordinating with local authorities to facilitate the travel of those willing to come to India. A total of 245 Indian nationals, including 125 students, had safely reached India after Bangladesh plunged into chaos with over 100 deaths reported.
Indian nationals 'safe and sound'
This significant development comes hours after the Ministry of External Affairs said all Indian nationals are "safe and sound" in Bangladesh, while adding that they are in touch with the appropriate authorities. The Ministry called the ongoing unrest in Bangladesh the country's internal matter.
"All our Indian nationals are safe there. We have a large student community of 8,500 students and 15,000 Indian nationals residing in Bangladesh; many of them pursue medical education in that country. They are all safe and sound, and they are in touch with our High Commission and our Assistant High Commission as well," said MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal.
He further also informed that External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar is monitoring the situation and the High Commission will be giving regular updates about the situation there. Police and security officials in Bangladesh fired bullets and tear gas at protesters and banned all gatherings in the capital on Friday amid violent protests in several areas.
What is happening in Bangladesh?
Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's government imposed a nationwide curfew and ordered the deployment of military forces to maintain order after deadly clashes over the quota system in government jobs escalated on Friday as protesters stormed a jail in Narsingdi on Friday, freeing hundreds of inmates before setting the facility ablaze.
The announcement was made by Obaidul Quader, the general secretary of the ruling Awami League party, and came after police and security officials fired on protesters on Friday and banned all gatherings in the capital. The death count in days of violent protests across Bangladesh has now reached 105, as per media reports. Police fired tear gas to scatter protesters in some areas as fire and smoke were visible from rooftops in the capital Dhaka.
Initially sparked by discontent over government job quotas, the protests have expanded to a broader movement against Hasina's government, driven by economic issues such as high inflation, unemployment, and shrinking foreign exchange reserves.
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