Meghalaya Evacuates 40 Medical Students from Bangladesh Amid Growing Unrest

Amid escalating unrest in Bangladesh, 40 medical students from Meghalaya were evacuated from Dhaka on Saturday. Meghalaya CM Conrad K Sangma confirmed all arrangements for their safe return. 405 Indian students have been evacuated so far, with the MEA advising Indian nationals to minimize movement amidst violent protests.

Amid escalating unrest in Bangladesh, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma announced that 40 medical students from Meghalaya were evacuated from Dhaka on Saturday. The students will enter India via Agartala and proceed to Shillong, Sangma stated in a social media post.

Sangma assured that all necessary arrangements for the safe evacuation of the students had been made. The state government remains in constant communication with the Indian Embassy in Bangladesh to facilitate the process. 'Buses are on standby in Agartala with other logistics arranged to ensure our students return home safely,' he said.

As of Friday evening, 405 Indian students had been safely evacuated from Bangladesh. The process is being executed through the Dawki Integrated Check Post, with some students from Nepal and Bhutan, as well as tourists, also being evacuated. The Ministry of External Affairs advised Indian nationals in Bangladesh to avoid local travel amid the violent protests over the country's quota system for civil service jobs.

The MEA advisory emphasized that the High Commission and Assistant High Commissions are available on helpline numbers for any required assistance. 'Indian nationals in Bangladesh are requested to follow the advisory and minimize movement outside their living premises,' the advisory stated.

Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh expressed hope that the Bangladesh government would resolve the matter soon, acknowledging the situation as 'worrying' but expecting a restoration of normalcy. The protests are driven by demands for reform in the civil service job quota system. Bangladesh has imposed a curfew and disabled mobile internet services nationwide to curb disinformation.