204 Indian Students Evacuated Amid Violent Protests in Bangladesh

In light of escalating protests against job quotas in Bangladesh, 204 Indian students alongside students from Nepal and Bhutan were successfully evacuated and returned to India through Meghalaya. Additionally, Bangladeshi nationals crossed into India as unrest continues. India has heightened security and issued advisories for citizens in Bangladesh.

In the midst of escalating protests against job quotas in Bangladesh, 204 Indian students and several students from Nepal and Bhutan were safely evacuated and brought back to India through Meghalaya, government officials confirmed on Friday. These students crossed the border at Meghalaya's Dawki Integrated Check Post.

Thomas, Assistant Nodal Officer from the Meghalaya government, detailed that among the 204 students, 78 hailed from Assam, 13 from Meghalaya, and 13 from Kashmir. He added that many students from Nepal and Bhutan were also brought in, as quoted by ANI.

The evacuation coincides with violent protests rocking Bangladesh over a contentious quota system in government jobs, resulting in multiple fatalities and hundreds of injuries. In response, Bangladeshi authorities have imposed restrictions, including internet blackouts, mobile service interruptions, and bans on public gatherings.

A few Bangladeshi nationals also entered India via the Integrated Check Post at Akhaura Road, Agartala. Taher Alam, a Bangladeshi advocate, remarked on the turbulent state of the nation due to the protests.

“Bangladesh is in turmoil due to the student protests. Numerous casualties and a nationwide shutdown are impacting all sectors. The government has begun negotiations with the students, but the communication blackout is limiting updates,” Alam told ANI. Anik Pal, an Indian student evacuated on Friday, expressed his hopes for a swift resolution and justice for deceased protesters.

In related developments, the All India Democratic Students' Organisation joined the protest movement, staging a demonstration in Kolkata, leading to several arrests.

On Friday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued an advisory for Indian citizens in Bangladesh, urging them to avoid non-essential travel. The advisory highlighted the availability of the High Commission and Assistant High Commissions for assistance. Security was also intensified outside the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi anticipating potential protests.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal assured the safety of around 8,500 Indian students and 15,000 Indian nationals residing in Bangladesh. He affirmed continuous monitoring of the situation and urged family members of those in Bangladesh to stay in contact with the Indian High Commission for updates and assistance.