Malaysia Evacuates Citizens Amid Unrest in Bangladesh

Malaysia evacuated 123 citizens from Bangladesh amid violent protests triggered by a controversial job allocation system. The Home Minister greeted evacuees at Kuala Lumpur International Airport. Despite the unrest, over 50 Malaysians chose to stay. The evacuation was facilitated by the Malaysian High Commission in Dhaka.

Malaysia has evacuated 123 of its citizens from Bangladesh on Tuesday amidst violent unrest that has claimed dozens of lives.

Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution welcomed the evacuees, including 80 students, at Kuala Lumpur International Airport. Over 50 Malaysians opted to stay in Bangladesh for work or study, officials mentioned.

The violent protests, sparked by a controversial government job allocation system, have resulted in over 100 deaths according to local reports. The situation seemed to calm after Bangladesh's top court scaled back the quota system on Sunday.

The protests pose the most serious challenge to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's government since her recent election victory. The government has imposed a curfew, shut down the internet, and closed universities to manage the crisis.

Minister Saifuddin stated that the internet and communication blackout in Bangladesh hampered Malaysia's evacuation efforts, but the Malaysian High Commission in Dhaka successfully facilitated the return of 19 students prior to Tuesday's flight.

Among those choosing to stay in Bangladesh are 40 final-year students, five Malaysian army officials, and 10 pilots.

Cassandra David, a student at Dhaka Medical College, reported staying in her hostel since the curfew's imposition and recounted her tight-controlled journey to the High Commission. Despite the internet shutdown, she remains well-informed through various channels.

(With inputs from agencies.)