In the wake of intense unrest in Bangladesh, nearly 1,000 Indian students have returned home. The protests, sparked by opposition to the job quota system, have led to widespread violence, claiming over 115 lives. India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has been actively involved in ensuring the safe return of these students.
Background of the Protests
The protests in Bangladesh began as a response to the Sheikh Hasina government’s job quota system. This system reserves a large portion of government jobs for specific groups. Students argue that this system is discriminatory, preventing meritorious candidates from securing positions. The situation escalated after Bangladesh’s High Court reinstated the quotas following petitions from the families of 1971 Liberation War veterans. This decision reignited demonstrations, leading to deadly clashes between protesters and police.
Evacuation Efforts by India
India has taken significant steps to evacuate its nationals from Bangladesh. The Ministry of External Affairs reported that 778 students returned through various land ports, while another 200 flew back via Dhaka and Chittagong airports. The Indian High Commission also facilitated the return of 13 Nepali students. The High Commission, in collaboration with the Border Security Force (BSF) and the Bureau of Immigration, ensured the safe passage of students through border crossings such as Benapole-Petrapole, Gede-Darshana, and Akhaura-Agartala.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is personally overseeing the safety of Indians in Bangladesh. The MEA has advised Indian nationals in Bangladesh to avoid unnecessary travel and stay indoors.
Challenges Faced by Students
Many students faced harrowing experiences during their evacuation. Asif Hussain, a medical student from Manikganj district, described a six-hour journey under security escort to the India-Bangladesh border. Hussain and about 80 other Indian students hired private taxis to travel to the border, where they faced further delays before crossing into India. The ongoing protests have disrupted daily life and severely affected communication networks, with mobile internet services cut off in many areas.
The Role of the Indian High Commission
The Indian High Commission in Dhaka and its Assistant High Commissions have been in regular touch with more than 4,000 students remaining in various universities in Bangladesh. They have been providing necessary assistance, including activating multiple helplines operating round the clock to assist Indian nationals and providing regular updates to keep families informed about the situation.
Impact on Education
The protests have prompted Bangladeshi authorities to shut down all public and private educational institutions indefinitely. This decision has disrupted the lives of many students, including those from India. The evacuation of Indian students highlights the severity of the situation and the commitment of the Indian government to ensure the safety of its citizens abroad.
The ongoing protests in Bangladesh have created a volatile situation, leading to the evacuation of nearly 1,000 Indian students. The Indian government’s swift response and the coordinated efforts of the MEA and the Indian High Commission have ensured the safe return of these students. However, the situation in Bangladesh remains tense, and the future of many students’ education hangs in the balance as the protests continue.
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