Indian Students Repatriated Amidst Deadly Clashes in Bangladesh

Nearly 1,000 Indian students have returned to India from Bangladesh due to deadly clashes affecting the country. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is actively ensuring the safety of Indian nationals, coordinating with local authorities and arranging safe passages and flights for their return.

Nearly 1,000 Indian students have returned home from Bangladesh through various land transit points and flights, confirmed the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Saturday. This comes as Bangladesh continues to experience deadly clashes that have reportedly resulted in over 90 deaths.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar assured that the MEA is meticulously focused on ensuring the safety and well-being of Indians in Bangladesh. Indian missions in the country are in constant communication with local authorities to facilitate this.

“So far, 778 Indian students have returned via land ports, while around 200 have come back on regular flights through Dhaka and Chittagong airports,” stated the MEA. The deadly clashes concern students protesting against the Sheikh Hasina-led government’s controversial job quota system. Reports suggest over 90 fatalities, although exact numbers remain unclear.

In response, Bangladesh has imposed a nationwide curfew as protests and clashes persist. “We understand the families' concerns; MEA is fully engaged in ensuring their safety,” Jaishankar reiterated. According to MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, approximately 15,000 Indian nationals currently reside in Bangladesh.

The Indian High Commission and Assistant High Commissions in various Bangladeshi cities are aiding the repatriation process in coordination with local authorities and civil aviation. The MEA is also coordinating with civil aviation, immigration, and BSF authorities in India to ensure smooth passage across border points. Security escorts are provided where necessary, and students from Nepal and Bhutan have also received assistance.