Stranded in Kolkata: The Plight of Bangladeshis Amid Turmoil

Bangladeshis in Kolkata, stuck due to medical, educational, or other reasons, face uncertainty following regime change and violence in their home country. Suspension of train and bus services has added to their anxiety, with communication disrupted and concerns for loved ones back home growing. Nobel laureate Mohammad Yunus heads the interim government.

Several Bangladeshis currently in Kolkata for medical treatment, education, or other purposes are stranded and concerned about the ongoing violence and abrupt regime change in their country.

The suspension of train services between India and Bangladesh has compounded their anxiety, leaving them uncertain about their next steps.

"I came here for the treatment of my father, and we have been here for the last 20 days. We are stuck in Kolkata. I am worried about my family in Dhaka," said 35-year-old Md Mostaque.

Imran Ali Manik, a student at a private university in the city, echoed Mostaque's concerns.

"For the last three days, I have been unable to contact my family in Khulna. My family is known for supporting the Awami League. I don't know whether they are safe," the Bangladeshi student said. The disruption in communication channels has resulted in distress as they are unable to check on their loved ones. Mostaque and Manik are among several people facing similar situations, expressing their helplessness.

The turmoil in Bangladesh has led to the suspension of cross-border transportation services.

The Eastern Railway announced that the Kolkata-Dhaka-Kolkata Maitree Express, which has been non-operational since July 19, will remain suspended until further notice.

Similarly, the bi-weekly Kolkata-Khulna-Kolkata Bandhan Express, suspended since July 21, has not resumed operations. The bus services too have been suspended following the unrest in Bangladesh.

Bangladeshis in Kolkata initially rejoiced at the regime change in their country, but they now want the violence to stop.

"We wanted this regime change, but not the violence. What is going on in the name of mass uprising is absolute madness. This must end. For people like us who are far from their family and friends, it is tough as we are worried about their safety," Jewel Elias, a resident of Barisal, said.

Some condemned the attack on minorities in their country, stating that such violence sends a wrong message about Bangladesh.

"Attacks on religious minorities must stop as this puts us in a bad light across the world. Bangladeshis live in various parts of the world for jobs, education, and healthcare services, and there can be a backlash," said Tausif Rahim, a resident of Dhaka, who is in Kolkata for his mother's treatment.

The death toll in the anti-government protests in Bangladesh on Tuesday climbed to 440, according to local media, even as efforts were ongoing by the army to bring the situation under control in the violence-hit nation.

Nobel laureate Mohammad Yunus was on Tuesday appointed as the head of Bangladesh's interim government by President Mohammed Shahabuddin, a day after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned and fled the country following deadly protests against her government over a controversial quota system in jobs.

(With inputs from agencies.)