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Indian High Commission Issues Advisory Urging Citizens to Exercise Caution Amidst Protest in Bangladesh
The Indian High Commission in Dhaka issued an advisory on Thursday, urging Indian citizens living in Bangladesh to exercise caution and avoid non-essential travel amidst widespread protests and unrest in the country. The advisory comes in response to escalating tensions following demonstrations against Bangladesh's government job quota system. The High Commission and Assistant High Commissions have provided 24-hour emergency contact numbers for assistance and support to Indian citizens.
“In view of the ongoing situation in Bangladesh, the Indian community members and the Indian students residing in Bangladesh are advised to avoid travel and minimize their movement outside their living premises,” reads the advisory issued by the Indian High Commission in Dhaka.
Indian citizens residing in Bangladesh have been asked to reach out to the High Commission and the Assistant High Commissions in case of urgency or need for assistant. 24-Hour emergency contact numbers have also been issued:
High Commission of India, Dhaka: 880-1937400591 (also on WhatsApp)
Assistant High Commission of India, Chittagong: 880-1814654797 / 880-1814654799 (also on WhatsApp)
Assistant High Commission of India, Sylhet: 880-1313076411 (also on WhatsApp)
Assistant High Commission of India, Khulna: 880-1812817799 (also on WhatsApp)
The High Commission of India in Dhaka, along with its branches in Chittagong, Sylhet, and Khulna, remain vigilant and advised Indian nationals to adhere to safety guidelines.
The protests, sparked by the closure of all public and private universities, have seen violent clashes between students and police in Dhaka. Demonstrators are demanding an end to a quota system that reserves government jobs for specific groups, including descendants of 1971 independence war participants, a policy they argue favors the ruling party.
The unrest intensified as students defied calls for dialogue from Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, pledging to continue nationwide protests. Streets in Dhaka witnessed blockades and confrontations with law enforcement, resulting in injuries and disruptions to public services. The Supreme Court's upcoming decision on the quota system's legality has further fueled tensions, with demonstrators demanding justice for those injured or killed in the protests.
