Nearly 1,000 Indians return from violence-hit Bangladesh: MEA

The Indian High Commission in Dhaka, along with its assistant high commissions in Chittagong, Khulna, Rajshahi, and Sylhet, is actively assisting over 4,000 Indian students currently studying in Bangladesh. They are providing crucial support amidst ongoing unrest in the country.

Nearly 1,000 Indian nationals, primarily students, have returned to India through land border crossings or flights as violent protests over job quotas in Bangladesh have resulted in over 100 deaths.

Since Friday, a nationwide curfew has been enforced in Bangladesh, with the army deployed to manage clashes between quota protesters and pro-government groups. The violence has escalated, leading to numerous fatalities, including 56 deaths on Friday alone during a shutdown orchestrated by the protesters.

According to the external affairs ministry, 778 Indian students have returned via land borders, while around 200 have flown back on regular services from Dhaka and Chittagong airports.

The Indian High Commission and its regional offices are maintaining regular communication with the 4,000 students still in Bangladesh and are offering necessary assistance. They are also aiding students from Nepal and Bhutan with their transit into India.

The external affairs ministry estimates around 15,000 Indians, including approximately 8,500 students, are currently in Bangladesh. A ministry spokesperson has assured that all Indian nationals are safe.

The Indian High Commission and its assistant high commissions are working closely with Bangladeshi authorities to facilitate the safe passage of Indian citizens to border crossing points. Coordination with civil aviation, immigration, land ports, and Border Security Force (BSF) officials is ongoing to ensure a smooth return process.

Security measures, including escorts for road travel, have been arranged where needed. The High Commission is also liaising with Bangladeshi civil aviation authorities and commercial airlines to maintain uninterrupted flight services from Dhaka and Chittagong.

The external affairs ministry has refrained from commenting on the internal protests in Bangladesh, emphasizing that it is an internal matter for the neighboring country.