Over 700 Indian Students Return from Protest-Hit Bangladesh
On Saturday, July 20, the Indian Foreign Ministry reported that over 700 Indian students have returned from Bangladesh, which is currently experiencing protests. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated, “So far, 778 Indian students have come back to India through various land ports. Additionally, around 200 students have returned home via regular flights from Dhaka and Chittagong airports.”
The MEA added, “The High Commission of India in Dhaka and our Assistant High Commissions are in constant contact with over 4,000 students still in various universities in Bangladesh and are providing necessary assistance. We have also helped students from Nepal and Bhutan cross into India upon request.”
Ensuring Safe Travel to the Border
The MEA mentioned that, in coordination with local authorities, the High Commission and Assistant High Commissions are taking measures to facilitate safe travel to the border crossing points along the India-Bangladesh International Border.
The ministry also said it is working with civil aviation, immigration, land ports, and the Border Security Force (BSF) to ensure smooth passage for Indian citizens returning home. “The High Commission in Dhaka is also coordinating with Bangladesh’s civil aviation authorities and commercial airlines to ensure uninterrupted flight services to India from Dhaka and Chittagong,” the MEA added.
‘All Indians in Bangladesh are Safe’
Students in Bangladesh are protesting against a quota system that reserves more than half of civil service posts for specific groups, including children of veterans from the 1971 liberation war. The clashes between students and police have reportedly resulted in at least 115 deaths and around 1,500 injuries.
Earlier, the Indian Foreign Ministry assured that all Indian students in Bangladesh were safe. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “All our Indian nationals are safe there. We have a large student community, around 8,500 students, many of whom are pursuing medical education in that country.”
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