India advises citizens to avoid travelling to Bangladesh amid violent protests

The MEA released emergency phone numbers: +8801958383679 +8801958383680 +8801937400591

Advisory for Bangladesh:https://t.co/mKs1auhnlK pic.twitter.com/m5c5Y0Bn8b

— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) August 4, 2024

The information regarding India’s advisory was posted on X by Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal.

This comes amid widespread violent clashes and protests in the country which has led to the death of 91 people, including 14 police personnel, and injured hundred others. The protesters have been demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

The Awami League led government cut off the mobile internet and implemented a nationwide curfew for an indefinite period.

The administration has also announced a three day general holiday on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday in order to ensure public safety, according to local media outlet Dhaka Tribune.

Activists take part in a protest march against Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her government to demand justice for more than 200 people killed in last month’s violent demonstrations, in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Friday, Aug. 2, 2024. (AP Photo)

Meanwhile, PM Hasina has called out the protesters and said those engaging in “sabotage” across Bangladesh are not students but terrorists. She added “I appeal to the countrymen to suppress these terrorists with a firm hand.”

During an earlier protest which took place in June-July, over 200 people lost their lives as violent clashes took place between police and students regarding the end of the controversial quota system in jobs.

The quota system against which the violent protests in Bangladesh took place reserved 30 percent of government jobs for relatives of war veterans who fought for the independence movement of Bangladesh in 1971.

At least 11,000 people have been arrested since the protests started and stricter laws have been enforced by the administration to curb the violence.