Bangladesh Protests: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) reported on Saturday that a total of 978 Indian students, 778 by land and 200 by flights, have returned to India from Bangladesh amid the violent clashes triggered by a controversial job quota system. The MEA has confirmed that all Indian missions in Bangladesh are actively coordinating with the relevant local authorities to ensure the safety and security of Indian nationals and students.
“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,” according to an MEA statement.
“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,” it further added.
Bangladesh is currently undergoing deadly clashes, with students demanding that the government led by Sheikh Hasina abolish the contentious job-quota system. Over 50 people have been killed in the clashes that began a few weeks ago.
Update on return of Indian Nationals in Bangladesh:https://t.co/uR41LSSc7O pic.twitter.com/GRWIWJAAiu
— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) July 20, 2024
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal noted on Friday that the total number of Indian nationals in Bangladesh is anticipated to be around 15,000. He also said that 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.
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MEA Confirms Safe Passage Along Bangladesh Border
“In coordination with the local authorities, 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,” it said in a statement. “The MEA is also coordinating with civil aviation, immigration, land ports, and BSF authorities to ensure a smooth passage for our citizens,” it added.
The MEA added that the Indian High Commission and assistant high commissions are in regular contact with over 4,000 students remaining in various universities in Bangladesh, and they are also receiving necessary assistance. Students from Nepal and Bhutan have also been assisted with their crossing into India upon request, it further added.
“Security escorts have also been arranged, where necessary, for their travel by road during repatriation through select land ports,” the ministry said. The High Commission in Dhaka is coordinating with Bangladesh’s civil aviation authorities and commercial airlines to maintain continuous flight services to India from Dhaka and Chittagong, enabling Indian nationals to return home.
