4,500 Indian students return from violence-hit Bangladesh, plus 500 from Nepal, 38 from Bhutan
New Delhi, July 21 (Agency) So far, over 4,500 Indian students have returned to India from violence-torn Bangladesh, while 500 students of Nepal, 38 of Bhutan and one of Maldives have also arrived in India, with their safe travel facilitated by the Indian High Commission in Dhaka and the four Assistant High Commissions. A press statement said: “Over the course of the past two days, the High Commission of India in Dhaka and the Assistant High Commissions in Chittagong, Rajshahi, Sylhet and Khulna have been assisting the return of Indian nationals home, following the recent developments in Bangladesh. “The Ministry of External Affairs has also been coordinating with relevant Indian authorities to ensure a smooth passage for our citizens at land-ports and airports.
“The High Commission in Dhaka is also coordinating with civil aviation authorities of Bangladesh and commercial airlines to ensure availability of flight services between India and Bangladesh. “Thus far, over 4500 Indian students have returned to India. The High Commission has been making arrangement for security escort for safe travel of Indian nationals to the border-crossing points. 500 students of Nepal, 38 of Bhutan and one of Maldives have also arrived in India. “The High Commission and our Assistant High Commissions continue to be in regular touch with local authorities for the safety and security of Indian nationals. They are also in regular contact with remaining students in various universities in Bangladesh and with Indian nationals for their welfare and assistance.
“The High Commission of India in Dhaka and the Assistant High Commissions of India in Bangladesh remain available for any assistance required by Indian nationals through the emergency contact numbers listed below:
High Commission of India, Dhaka +880-1937400591
Assistant High Commission of India, Chittagong +880-1814654797 / +880-1814654799
Assistant High Commission of India, Rajshahi +880-1788148696
Assistant High Commission of India, Sylhet +880-1313076411,
+880-1313076417
Assistant High Commission of India, Khulna +880-1812817799
Bangladesh has been wracked by massive violent protests against the Sheikh Hasina government’s policy of reserving 30 pc seats in government jobs for the family members of veterans who fought in the country’s liberation war of 1971. Nearly 100 people are reported to have been killed in the clashes between the protesters and security forces, and many more injured. Bangladesh is reported to scaled down the quota percentage to five percent in deference to the public anger.