Bangladesh is currently experiencing severe unrest as violent protests against the reservation system in government jobs continue across the country. The demonstrations, which have turned increasingly violent, have led to widespread disruptions. Internet, mobile communications, and rail services have been halted, leaving many areas in chaos. The situation has claimed the lives of 28 people so far, according to reports.
In response to the escalating violence, the Indian government is taking swift action to ensure the safety of Indian citizens and students currently in Bangladesh. There are approximately 15,000 Indians in the country, including around 8,500 students.
Efforts are underway to safely bring these individuals back to India. The Indian authorities have already initiated the repatriation process, with the first batch of 245 Indians, including 125 students, arriving in West Bengal.
Officials from the Indian High Commission in Dhaka have been working closely with local Bangladeshi authorities to provide adequate security for the returning students. The coordination aims to ensure that those wishing to return to India can do so safely amid the turmoil.
To facilitate the safe return of Indian students and citizens, the Indian High Commission, in collaboration with the Border Security Force (BSF) and the Immigration Bureau, is handling the logistics. On Friday, a total of 245 individuals, including 125 Indian students and 13 Nepali students, were successfully transported to West Bengal.
The border crossings between India and Bangladesh at Benapole-Petrapole, Gede-Darsana, and Akhaura-Agartala are open for Indian citizens and students to cross into India.
In light of the situation, former Indian Ambassador to Bangladesh, Harsh V. Shringla, has been closely monitoring the protests. He has observed that radical student groups, particularly those associated with Jamaat-e-Islami and the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), have added a political dimension to the unrest. Shringla suggested that there might be additional harmful elements involved, such as the ISI, and urged the Bangladeshi government to investigate these potential threats.
The Indian High Commission in Bangladesh has issued a statement advising Indian citizens and students to avoid traveling and to remain in their accommodations due to the volatile situation. For those needing assistance, the High Commission has provided 24-hour emergency contact numbers:
- Indian High Commission, Dhaka: +880-1937400591 (also available on WhatsApp)
- Indian Assistant High Commission, Chattogram: +880-1814654797 / +880-1814654799 (also available on WhatsApp)
- Indian Assistant High Commission, Rajshahi: +880-1788148696 (also available on WhatsApp)
- Indian Assistant High Commission, Sylhet: +880-1313076411 (also available on WhatsApp) / +880-1313076417 (also available on WhatsApp)
- Indian Assistant High Commission, Khulna: +880-1812817799 (also available on WhatsApp)
Additionally, due to the ongoing violence and disruptions, Indian Railways has canceled services on two key routes. The Kolkata-Dhaka Maitree Express, scheduled for Saturday, and the Kolkata-Khulna Bondhan Express, scheduled for Sunday, have been canceled. The cancellation of these services is attributed to the disruption of normal life and the uncertainty in train operations caused by the protests.
As the situation continues to develop, both governments are working to manage the crisis and ensure the safety and security of all affected individuals.
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