External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar assured the public on Saturday that the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is dedicated to ensuring the safety and well-being of Indian nationals in Bangladesh. In a message shared on social media platform X, Jaishankar acknowledged the concerns of families and well-wishers of Indian nationals in Bangladesh and provided an update on the current situation.
The MEA is actively working to help Indian citizens return home safely. The Indian High Commission in Dhaka, along with the Assistant High Commissions in Chittagong, Rajshahi, Sylhet, and Khulna, is coordinating efforts to assist Indian nationals in leaving Bangladesh amidst the ongoing violence.
The unrest has been fueled by protests demanding reforms in Bangladesh’s civil service job quota system, which reserves jobs for specific groups, including descendants of those who fought in the 1971 War of Independence against Pakistan.
Appreciate the concern of families and well wishers of Indian nationals in Bangladesh.
MEA is fully focused on ensuring their safety and well being. The current situation is as below. https://t.co/KpUp9gEaHa
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) July 20, 2024
To facilitate safe travel for Indian nationals, the MEA is working closely with civil aviation, immigration, land ports, and the Border Security Force (BSF). These efforts are aimed at ensuring a smooth passage for Indian citizens to cross the India-Bangladesh International Border. The authorities have been taking all necessary measures to guarantee their safety during the journey.
In response to the protests, the Bangladesh government has imposed a curfew and disabled mobile internet services nationwide. This action was taken to prevent the spread of disinformation. The protests have created a challenging environment, making it essential for the Indian government to take swift action to protect its citizens.
So far, 778 Indian students have returned to India through various land ports, while around 200 students have returned home via regular flight services from Dhaka and Chittagong airports.
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The Indian High Commission in Dhaka and the Assistant High Commissions remain in constant contact with over 4,000 students still in various universities across Bangladesh, providing them with necessary assistance. Additionally, students from Nepal and Bhutan have also been assisted in crossing into India upon request.
The MEA’s ongoing efforts underscore its commitment to the safety and well-being of Indian nationals abroad. The ministry, along with local authorities and relevant agencies, continues to work tirelessly to ensure that all Indian citizens in Bangladesh can return home safely amid the current unrest.
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