Amid Bangladesh Protests, India Rescues 204 Students from Bangladesh

Photo: ANI

Asif Iqbal | July 19, 2024 | 10:58 PM IST | Asia, Bangladesh, Protests, World | Follow on Google News

Amid Bangladesh Protests, India Rescues 204 Students from Bangladesh

Amid Bangladesh Protests, India Rescues 204 Students from Bangladesh

Key Highlights:

1. 204 Indian students rescued from Bangladesh amid violent job quota protests.
2. Students from Nepal and Bhutan also safely brought back to India through Meghalaya.
3. The Indian government issued advisories and increased security measures for Indian nationals in Bangladesh.

In the wake of violent protests in Bangladesh against the controversial job quota system, 204 Indian students, along with several students from Nepal and Bhutan, were successfully evacuated and brought back to India through Meghalaya, officials said on Friday. The students entered India via the Dawki Integrated Check Post on the Meghalaya-Bangladesh border.

Thomas, Assistant Nodal Officer of the Meghalaya government, confirmed the arrival of the students, stating that among the rescued were 78 students from Assam, 13 from Meghalaya, 13 from Kashmir, and others from Nepal and Bhutan. The evacuation was necessary due to the escalating violence in Bangladesh, where protests against the government’s quota system in jobs have resulted in numerous deaths and injuries.

The unrest has led Bangladeshi authorities to impose stringent measures, including internet and mobile service blackouts and bans on public gatherings. The situation has disrupted daily life across the country, prompting concerns from neighboring nations.

Additionally, Bangladeshi nationals have been arriving in India via the Integrated Check Post at Akhaura Road, Agartala. Taher Alam, a Bangladeshi advocate, described the country as being severely affected by the protests, with many sectors facing problems and the government agreeing to discuss the issue with the students amid the network shutdown.

Anik Pal, an Indian student who returned on Friday, highlighted the intensity of the protests and expressed a desire for a swift resolution and justice for those who lost their lives. In Kolkata, the All India Democratic Students’ Organisation held a protest in solidarity with the anti-quota movement in Bangladesh, leading to several detentions by the police.

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has issued an advisory urging Indian nationals in Bangladesh to avoid local travel. The advisory emphasized the availability of the High Commission and Assistant High Commissions on helpline numbers for assistance. In New Delhi, security outside the Bangladesh High Commission was heightened as a precautionary measure against potential protests.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal assured that all Indian nationals in Bangladesh are safe and that the Indian government is closely monitoring the situation. He reiterated the commitment to provide regular updates and assistance to Indian nationals and urged family members to stay in touch with the Indian High Commission in Bangladesh.

Asif Iqbal

Asif Iqbal is a seasoned news writer with a passion for delivering the latest updates to the public. Currently serving as the senior writer at VoM News, a prominent news outlet known for its comprehensive coverage of diverse topics, Asif has established himself as a reliable source of information. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for storytelling, he consistently provides readers with well-crafted articles that cover a wide range of news categories. His dedication to journalistic integrity and his commitment to staying ahead of the news curve make him an invaluable asset to Vom News, ensuring that readers are always well-informed on the issues that matter most. You can find his work and stay updated on current events by visiting vomnews.in.