Bangladesh Protests: Nearly 1,000 Indian Students Return Home, Over 4,000 More Being Assisted, MEA Says

Amidst violent clashes in Bangladesh, 978 Indian students have returned to India. The MEA, through missions in Bangladesh, is coordinating with authorities to assist over 4000 remaining students.

Bangladesh Protests: A total of 978 Indian students (778 via land and 200 via flights) have returned to India from Bangladesh, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) reported on Saturday, amidst ongoing violent clashes that erupted in Bangladesh over a controversial job quota system. The MEA stated that all the Indian missions in Bangladesh are frequently in touch with the local authorities concerned to ensure the safety and security of Indian nationals and students.

"Thus far, 778 Indian students have returned to India through various land ports. In addition, around 200 students have returned home by regular flight services through Dhaka and Chittagong airports," according to an MEA statement.

"The High Commission of India in Dhaka and our Assistant High Commissions are in regular touch with more than 4000 students remaining in various universities in Bangladesh and are providing necessary assistance. Students from Nepal and Bhutan have also been assisted with their crossing into India on request," it further added.

Bangladesh is currently undergoing deadly clashes, with students demanding that the government led by Sheikh Hasina abolish the contentious job-quota system. Over 50 people have been killed in the clashes that began a few weeks ago.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal noted on Friday that the total number of Indian nationals in Bangladesh is anticipated to be around 15,000. He also said that the Indian High Commission in Dhaka and the assistant high commissions in Chittagong, Rajshahi, Sylhet, and Khulna have been assisting the return of Indian nationals home.

MEA Confirms Safe Travel Along Bangladesh Border 

"In coordination with the local authorities, measures are being taken by the High Commission and the Assistant High Commissions to facilitate safe travel to the border crossing points along the India-Bangladesh international border," it said in a statement. "The MEA is also coordinating with civil aviation, immigration, land ports, and BSF authorities to ensure a smooth passage for our citizens," it added.

The MEA added that the Indian High Commission and assistant high commissions are in regular contact with over 4,000 students remaining in various universities in Bangladesh, and they are also receiving necessary assistance. Students from Nepal and Bhutan have also been assisted with their crossing into India upon request, it further added.

"Security escorts have also been arranged, where necessary, for their travel by road during repatriation through select land ports," the ministry said. 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, which Indian nationals can use to return home, it added.