Bangladesh Quota Stir: Nearly 1000 Indian Students Return Home After Violence Escalates, Says MEA

The Ministry of External Affairs on Saturday said 778 Indian students have returned home following sporadic violence in Bangladesh via various land ports, with an additional 200 students using regular flight services through Dhaka and Chittagong airports. With this, the toll total number of returnees has risen to 998.

The violence in Bangladesh has left over 100 people dead and over 1500 injured in the country.

It said the Indian High Commission is maintaining contact with over 4000 students remaining in Bangladesh, offering essential support. It also said the assistance has also been extended to students from Nepal and Bhutan upon their request to cross into India.

“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. MEA is also coordinating with civil aviation, immigration, land ports and BSF authorities to ensure a smooth passage for our citizens,” the MEA said in a statement.

Earlier, over 300 Indian students returned home following sporadic violence in Bangladesh .The students had reportedly returned to their country via border points in the northeast.

Bangladesh quota stir: Over 100 people have been killed and over 1500 have been injured in the clashes reportedly between students, government supporters and security forces. The protests began last month after a high court reinstated 30 per cent reservation in government jobs for family members of freedom fighters and veterans from Bangladesh's 1971 War of Independence.

Bangladesh protests: On Monday, the protests, which have been going for at least three weeks, escalated significantly when violence broke out at Dhaka University. Six people were killed the next day, prompting the government to order the closure of universities across the country.

Most of the Indian students who have returned back were pursuing medical courses. The students who have returned are said to hailing from from Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Meghalaya and Jammu and Kashmir.

On Friday, two routes were used by the students to return back included the international land port at Akhurah near Agartala in Tripura and the international land port at Dawki in Meghalaya.

Following internet shutdown in the country, several Indian students quoted by news outlets have said the move forced them to return back home. Also, telephonic services in the country have also been impacted as per reports.

Several Indian students reached home taking a six-hour-long journey through a taxi, and a security escort.

In Meghalaya, the reports said over 200 Indians crossed the border because of the protests. A few students from Bhutan and Nepal have also entered India.