India Evacuates Staff from Dhaka Amid Bangladesh Crisis

India Brings Back Non-Essential Staff from Dhaka Amid Bangladesh Unrest

In response to escalating unrest in Bangladesh, India has undertaken the evacuation of non-essential staff from its High Commission in Dhaka. A special Air India flight (AI1128) transported 190 non-essential staffers and their families back to India. Despite these measures, all diplomats remain stationed in Bangladesh, and diplomatic missions continue to operate normally.

According to sources, approximately 20-30 senior staff members remain at the High Commission in Dhaka. Besides Dhaka, India maintains assistant high commissions and consulates in Chittagong, Rajshahi, Khulna, and Sylhet.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar addressed the situation in Parliament, highlighting that around 10,000 Indians are currently residing in Bangladesh. Jaishankar assured that the Indian government is in “close and continuous” contact with the Indian community through its diplomatic missions.

“The situation in Bangladesh is still evolving,” Jaishankar stated. “We are maintaining close contact with Indians in Bangladesh through our diplomatic community.” He emphasized that the situation has not reached a level that necessitates the evacuation of the entire Indian community.

The unrest in Bangladesh has been primarily driven by a controversial quota system for government jobs, leading to widespread protests and violence. The turmoil has resulted in over 400 deaths and numerous injuries. On Monday, former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned and fled to India after protesters stormed and vandalized her residence.

The crisis further intensified as the Awami League’s main office was set ablaze and several party leaders were attacked. Reports indicate that around 20 bodies of Awami League leaders have been discovered across the country. An interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, is expected to take charge in the near future.

India’s decisive action to evacuate non-essential staff underscores its commitment to ensuring the safety of its personnel amid the ongoing crisis in Bangladesh. While the situation remains fluid, India’s diplomatic missions continue to function, providing essential services to its citizens and maintaining a presence in the region.

Aakhir Tak Editor-in-Chief

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