Why are students protesting in Bangladesh?
Sparked by a court order
On June 5, the High Court Division of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh (commonly known as “High Court”; the other division is the Appellate Division) ruled on a suit filed by the “children of nationally recognised freedom fighters”, restoring the 30% reservation and striking down a circular issued by the government in October 2018, which had scrapped the freedom-fighter and other quotas.
The 2018 decision had been announced by Prime Minister Hasina ahead of the national elections that took place in December that year. Students and teachers had been protesting since April, demanding that quotas be capped at 10%. There had been violence, though at a smaller scale than this week, and protesters had clashed with police and members of Bangladesh Chhatra League, the students’ wing of Hasina’s ruling Awami League party.
This time too, the government has said it agrees with the students. It has appealed to the Supreme Court, which has suspended the High Court’s order and will hear the matter on August 7. Hasina has asked the protesters to be patient until then. Read more
In Pictures | Bangladesh under curfew; schools, offices closed
Photo by Reuters
Photo by AP
Bangladesh Protests Live Updates: 500 students return home from Bangladesh, including 300 Indians
500 students returned home from Bangladesh using the land route in West Bengal, including 300 Indians. The remainder are from Nepal, Bhutan, and the Maldives.
They arrived at the Changrabandha Land Port and were allowed entry after completing the required security checks.
Most of those who returned are medical students who were stranded in the neighbouring country due to the violence that erupted there over job reservations.
So far around 1000 Indian students have returned home from Bangladesh via the land route through Meghalaya, Tripura and West Bengal or by using the air route.
(With PTI inputs)
Watch | PM conducts meeting to review the situation
Bangladesh Protests Live Updates: PM Hasina meets top military leadership
Bangladesh PM conducts a meeting with top military leadership to review the unrest in the nation, News Bangla 7 reports.
"Mamata Didi can speak with Bangladesh's PM” says TMC leader Sudip Bandyopadhyay
TMC leader Sudip Bandyopadhyay said that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee can talk to neighbouring PM Sheikh Hasina if needed, as they have a good relationship.
His statement comes amid protests in Bangladesh over demands for reforms of the country's quota system for civil service jobs.
Meanwhile, Banerjee stated on Sunday that her government would provide shelter to individuals from Bangladesh who seek refuge, amidst ongoing protests in the neighbouring country.
"Don't worry if any of your family members or relatives are in Bangladesh for work or study. We're ready to help them in return back... I can't comment on Bangladesh (issue), as it's a separate country. Whatever needs to be said, the Indian government will say. These are matters which are handled by the Indian Government. But if helpless individuals knock on Bengal's door, we will shelter them because a United Nations resolution allows neighbouring regions to assist those in trouble, CM said addressing the TMC's Martyrs Day rally in Kolkata
(With ANI inputs)
Bangladesh Protests Live Updates: Why has the term Razakar provoked unprecedented fury in Bangladesh?
Amid the violent protests in Bangladesh which has claimed over 100 lives, Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina mentioned the Razakars in a press conference and targeted the community in a subtle rhetorical way. The protest which is ongoing due to the quota system in government jobs has become a bone in the neck of the government.
PM Sheikh Hasina said, “If the grandchildren of freedom fighters do not receive (quota) benefits, who would get it? The grandchildren of Razakars?”
Since the protest began, over 4,500 Indians have returned from the country and the evacuation process is still ongoing. The Ministry of External Affairs has issued guidelines for the Indian nationals in Bangladesh.
Read more about the Razakars here.
BJP slams West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee for offering shelter to people from violence-hit Bangladesh
The BJP on Sunday slammed West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for offering shelter to anyone coming in distress from Bangladesh and called it an "evil plan" of the INDIA bloc to settle illegal immigrants from the neighbouring country to Jharkhand to win elections.
BJP co-incharge for West Bengal Amit Malviya also questioned Banerjee's authority to offer shelter to anyone coming from other country, saying immigration and citizenship are exclusively in the Centre's domain, and that states have no locus-standi in such matters.
This came after the West Bengal chief minister said at a Kolkata rally that in the wake of the escalating violence in Bangladesh, she would keep the doors of her state open for people in distress from the neighbouring country and offer them shelter.
Banerjee referred to the United Nations Resolution on refugees as justification for her stand over the possible humanitarian crisis that may emerge on account of the severe law and order breakdown that has gripped Bangladesh over the past few days.
Reacting sharply to Banerjee's remarks, Malviya wrote in a post on X, "Who gave Mamata Banerjee the authority to welcome anyone in India? Immigration and citizenship are exclusively in the Center's domain. The States have no locus-standi." "This is part of I.N.D.I Alliance's evil plan to settle illegal Bangladeshis from Bengal to Jharkhand, so that they can win elections," the BJP leader charged.
Hitting out at Banerjee, Malviya further said on odd days, she says she will not allow Hindu refugees, who came to India to escape religious persecution, to apply for citizenship under CAA and get their legitimate rights.
If they insist, she will ask "illegal Rohingyas, who vote for the TMC, to burn trains, block roads and kill people", he alleged.
On "even days" she says Bangladeshis are welcome to India, the BJP leader added. (PTI)
Bangladesh Protests Live Updates: Indo-Bangla trade comes to standstill as students' protests intensify
Trade between India and Bangladesh via land ports came to a standstill on Sunday as there was no movement of cargo trucks to and fro due to the ongoing student protests in the neighbouring country, officials said.
The Bangladeshi side of the Petrapole landport remained non-functional, they said. Nearly one-third of land-based trade between India and Bangladesh takes place through Petrapole.
"Trade from other land ports to Bangladesh, including Petrapole, Gojadanga, Fulbari, and Mahadipur, has also stalled as Bangladeshi Customs announced a two-day holiday from Sunday, following the government's declaration of a holiday except for essential services due to unrest," West Bengal Exporters' Coordination Committee Secretary Ujjal Saha said.
The cargo trucks that crossed over to Bangladesh on Saturday from Mahadipur port in Malda have not returned, but they are safe, he said.
"There has been no movement of trucks (import and export) at the Petrapole border since Sunday morning. Our land border remains open, but due to Benapole, trade has been impacted," the Manager of Land Port Authority of India (Petrapole), Kamlesh Saini, told news agency PTI.
On Saturday, 110 trucks crossed over to India from Bangladesh, while 48 trucks went to Bangladesh with export, he said. Saini said around 700 trucks with general merchandise are stranded in parking lots, loaded with cargo, waiting to go to Bangladesh.
On an average, 400-450 trucks with goods cross the Petrapole land port from India, while 150-200 trucks come to India from Bangladesh every day, officials said.
Saini, however, said that passenger movement continued. The majority of them are students who are returning due to security concerns.
A Border Security Force (BSF) spokesperson said Indians are being evacuated from violence-hit Bangladesh, and the BSF has assisted in the return of 572 Indian, 133 Nepalese, and four Bhutanese students so far.
Petrapole, South Asia's largest land port, is located in North 24 Parganas district in Bongaon, about 82 km from Kolkata.
Indo-Bangla trade analyst Sagar Khastagir said that trade was already low due to economic factors and the monsoon, but the unrest has had an adverse impact.
He said exports from waterways have not stopped but have reduced significantly, primarily due to demand. Fly ash, a key commodity for export from India to Bangladesh for cement production, will be impacted due to evacuation logistics hindrances in Bangladesh caused by curfew and unrest. (PTI)
BSF on high alert to deal any situation that may arise due to Bangladesh unrest: Official
The Border Security Force (BSF) is on high alert to deal with any situation that may arise due to the prevailing unrest in neighbouring Bangladesh, a top official said on Sunday.
Anti-quota agitations in the neighbouring country have left more than 100 dead, prompting the government to enforce a curfew to tackle the volatile situation.
"The prevailing law and order situation in Bangladesh is a security concern for the BSF too as we are entrusted with guarding the international border. We are fully seized of the situation and have beefed up security so that criminal elements from across the border do not take advantage of the current situation," BSF Tripura Frontier Inspector General Patel Piyush Purushottam Das said at a press conference.
He said a large number of troops and all senior commanders have been sent to the border to ensure a high level of operational preparedness.
"The BSF is fully committed to securing the borders of our country and is fully prepared to deal with any exigency," he said.
Das said that one of the prime concerns at present is the safe return of Indian students studying in Bangladesh.
"The number of Indian students in Bangladesh is believed to be close to 8,000 and most of them are enrolled in medical colleges.
Most of the students are studying in medical colleges in Comilla, Brahmanbaria and Dhaka and many have chosen to enter India through Tripura," he said.
Altogether 314 students, including 66 Nepalese studying in Bangladesh, returned to India through the northeastern state's border on Sunday, while 379 students entered from the neighbouring country on July 19 and 20. A total of 693 students have so far been evacuated from violence-hit Bangladesh.
The IG also thanked the BGB (Border Guards Bangladesh) for lending support for the evacuation of the students.
"I am very thankful to the BGB, which despite the law and order situation and its heavy commitment, has helped us by providing transportation and safe passage (to students) till Agartala. All this was done seamlessly and in a very professional manner. This is a testimony to the cooperation and good relations that exists between BSF and BGB," Das said.
The BSF is expecting more students to cross over in the coming days and is fully prepared to provide all assistance and ensure their safe return to their homes, he added. (PTI)
West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee on Bangladesh protests: ‘If helpless people knock on door of West Bengal, we will shelter them’
West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief Mamata Banerjee on Sunday empathised with the people of Bangladesh in the wake of violence over job quotas and said her government would shelter helpless people from the neighbouring country if they sought refuge in the state.
“I will not comment on Bangladesh. It is a different country. Whatever there is to say, the Indian government will say. Jodi asohai manush banglar dorja thokthokai, amra tader asroy debo (But if helpless people knock on the door of Bengal, we will shelter them). There is a UN ( United Nations) resolution that neighbouring areas can help if someone is in trouble. Earlier, when some people faced problems in Assam, they took shelter in Bengal,” said Banerjee while speaking at Trinamool Congress’s Martyrs Day rally in Kolkata.
Read more
OPINION | Bangladesh’s quota-system protests: Unrest highlights deep-rooted political divides
"There is a sense of hard dichotomies, of the people choosing between two zero-sum options that permeates Bangladesh’s politics. This began soon after the country gained independence and its leadership began drawing hard lines between competing goals and principles – democracy vs economic development, political participation vs national integration, liberty vs equality, and pro-liberation vs anti-liberation forces.
In the ongoing anti-quota protests, too, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has invoked “liberation” by comparing those opposed to her policy with “razakars” – a pejorative epithet for those who collaborated with Pakistani forces during the country’s struggle for liberation. The pro/anti-liberation dichotomy has been deployed often in the recent past with regard to controversial policies. These include the Digital Security Act, sending “war criminals” to the gallows and banning the Jamaat-e-Islami.
The current protests were spearheaded predominantly by left-wing and liberal student groups. The Student Federation of Bangladesh, and Bangladesh Jatiotabadi Chatra Dal were among the organisations that backed the campaign, along with the Workers’ Party of Bangladesh (WPB). They have also been supported by the country’s main opposition party, the Bangladesh National Party (BNP), which boycotted the recently concluded elections, alleging undemocratic practices. To be sure, the BNP’s own track record in this regard is hardly without blemish, and thanks in part to the boycott, its political influence and organisational strength is waning."
Read more here
Sri Lankan workers in Bangladesh not affected by violence, say officials
Sri Lankan authorities on Sunday said Sri Lankan workers in Bangladesh remain unaffected by the protests that have engulfed the country.
It is estimated that around 3,000 Sri Lankans are serving in Bangladesh currently. Their situation is being closely monitored by the the Foreign Employment Bureau (SLBFE), officials told news agency PTI.
PTI added that the Sri Lankan Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) has said that it is paying special attention to the safety of Sri Lankan students in Bangladeshi universities, Newsfirst reported.
The MFA has also said that as of now, over 50 students are pursuing higher education in three universities in Bangladesh.
The Sri Lankan High Commissioner in Bangladesh has already contacted the students and their parents, providing them with safety instructions, PTI said.
Additionally, the three universities have been requested to pay special attention to the students' safety and welfare.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that no Sri Lankan students in Bangladesh are reported to have been affected by the ongoing wave of protests.
With PTI inputs
Bangladesh Protests Live Updates: 93% of Bangladesh jobs to be merit-based
The Supreme Court in its verdict ordered 93% of the government jobs to be allocated on a merit-based system, leaving the remaining 7% for relatives of veterans who fought in Bangladesh’s war of independence in 1971 and other categories
Bangladesh Protests Live Updates: Supreme Court scales back job quotas
The Supreme Court of Bangladesh has scaled back job quota that reserved 30% posts for kin of veterans of 1971 war for independence, AFP reported. “The Supreme Court has said the High Court verdict was illegal,” attorney-general A.M. Amin Uddin told AFP, referring to an earlier ruling that reintroduced the quotas. He added that five percent of civil service jobs would remain reserved for children of independence war veterans and two percent for other categories.
Bangladesh Protests Live Updates: 600 trucks stranded on Indian side at Petrapole port
Internet has been suspended for last few days in Bangladesh amid the anti-quota protests. Over 600 trucks are now stranded on the Indian side as the Petrapole port uses an online system to function. Only 40 trucks crossed from the Indian side to the Bangladesh side of the land port till 10 am on Saturday, said officials at the Petrapole border. No trucks have crossed over to Bangladesh since then, said officials. On an average, 450 to 500 trucks with goods move from India to Bangladesh through this land port every day. About 150 to 200 trucks come to India from Bangladesh on an average every day, the officials added.
“There has been a 30 to 40 per cent drop in passenger movement between India and Bangladesh through this land port in the past few days,” added Saini.
Ravik Bhattacharya reports
Bangladesh Protests Live Updates: Exports stalled at Petrapole port
The Bangladesh government's nationwide crackdown on anti-quota protests continued on Sunday and subsequently, Indain exports through Petrapole, located on the India-Bangldesh border have been halted.
“On our side, the land port is open and we are doing our best. We have an online system which is operational. On their side (Bangladesh), there are, most probably, internet problems,” said Kamlesh Saini, Manager, Land Port Authority of India, Petrapole, speaking to The Indian Express over phone.
Saini added, “Exporters and drivers are scared to go to Bangladesh because of the situation there.”
Bangladesh Protests Live Updates: 'Not just students, people from all walks of life joined movement'
The unrest in Bangladesh reveals faultlines in the country's governance and economy. Sheikh Hasina, this year, assumed power for the fourth consecutive term, yielding stability in governance.Even though, the country's per-capita income tripled in the last decade and Hasina's rule has brought in development with new roads, bridges, factories and metro rail, youths continued to struggle over unemployment.
“It’s not students anymore, it seems that people from all walks of life have joined the protest movement,” Dr Samina Luthfa, assistant professor of sociology in the University of Dhaka, told BBC.Dr Luthfa was quoted as saying by BBC, “We are witnessing so much corruption. Especially among those close to the ruling party. Corruption has been continuing for a long time without being punished.”
With AP inputs
Bangladesh Protests Live Updates: Sheikh Hasina's 'Razakar' remark sparked outrage. What does the term mean ?
On July 14, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said, "“If the grandchildren of the freedom fighters don’t get quota benefits, should the grandchildren of Razakars get the benefit?” Our reporter Neha Banka digs deep into what the term means in the context of Bangladesh history and politics.
Hasina’s remark was a sarcastic, rhetorical question, asking whether the grandchildren of Razakars should get quota benefits when it comes to jobs in Bangladesh, says an Awami League supporter interviewed for this report, requesting anonymity. But it further triggered anger among students, escalating an already tense situation.
The term ‘Razakar’ is considered to be derogatory in the country and is associated with atrocities committed during the Bangladesh Liberation War, also known as the Bangladesh War of Independence in 1971.
In what was then East Pakistan, the Pakistan Armed Forces, backed by radical Islamists, created three main militias to suppress civil liberties, civil disobedience, target freedom fighters, and terrorise civilians: the Razakars, the al-Badr and the al-Shams. These militia groups, with the support of the Pakistan Armed Forces, subjected Bengalis to genocidal rape, torture, murder and forced deportation, among other forms of violence and abuse.
“The word is actually ‘Rezakar’ and it can be traced to Hyderabad (modern-day India). They were essentially ‘volunteers’,” said Dr Muntasir Mamoon, Bangabandhu Chair at Bangladesh’s Chittagong University, a leading expert on the Bangladesh Liberation War and Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the founding leader of Bangladesh.
In India, the Rezakars were a paramilitary volunteer force and home guard in the princely state of Hyderabad that resisted integration with India post-1947. A brainchild of Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen leader Bahadur Yar Jung, the Rezakars grew under the leadership of Qasim Rizvi. In 1948, after the defeat of the Rezakars in Operation Polo by the Indian Armed Forces, Rizvi was forced to emigrate to Pakistan. Read more
Bangladesh Protests Live Updates: TN govt sets up helpline for Tamils stranded in Bangladesh. Check toll-free numbers here
Amid the unrest in Bangladesh, Tamil Nadu government has approached the the Indian High Commission and Tamil organisations to gain details of Tamils living in the country. The southern state has set up helplines for those Tamils stranded in Bangladesh. The helpline numbers are 911800303793, 918069009900, 918069009901
"The situation is being monitored and the government is geared up to offer all its help to the stranded Tamils," a government press release said.
With PTI inputs
Bangladesh Protests Live Updates: Who gets what percentage of reservation in Bangladesh govt jobs ?
As per Al Jazeera report, given below are the percentage of reservation allocated for different groups:
30 percent for the children and grandchildren of freedom fighters
10 percent for women
10 percent “zila quota” for “backward” districts
5 percent for ethnic minorities
1 percent for people with physical disabilities.
Bangladesh Protests Live Updates: What is the quota system in Bangladesh ?
The quota system was introduced by Bangladesh's founding father Sheikh Mujibur Rehman in 1972. A percentage of government jobs are reserved for children and grandchildren of those who fought the 1971 war of independence against Pakistan. As per the quota system, 4 percent of first- and second-class government jobs are “merit” based while the remaining 56 percent are reserved for particular communities, according to Al Jazeera.
Bangladesh Protests Live Updates: BSF assisted in return of 572 Indian students
While Indians are being evacuated from violence-hit Bangladesh, Border Security Force spokesperson said they have assisted in the return of 572 Indian students, 133 Nepalese students and 4 Bhutanese students so far. As many as 978 Indians — 778 through land borders and another 200-odd through flights, have returned back home by Saturday.
Bangladesh Protests Live Updates: Do you know who are these anti-quota protesters ?
While the Bangladesh government has imposed nationwide curfew to quell anti-quota protests in the country, take a look at who are these protesters.
The agitators told Al Jazeera that they are not aligned with any political group and they want a merit-based system that is fair to all.
The students organised the protests through a Facebook group and were not backed by any political organisation, Fahim Faruki, a protester and third-year international relations student at Dhaka University told Al Jazeera.
The protest movement has been called the Students Against Discrimination movement and thousands of students from Dhaka University and Chittagong University had staged sit-in protests.
Bangladesh Protests Live Updates: Amid curfew, whats the scene in Bangladesh
Bangladesh Protests Live Updates: Supreme Court of Bangladesh to hear on job quotas today
Back in 2018, Bangladesh government halted the job quotas after students protested massively. In June this year, Bangladesh High Court nullified that decision and brought back the quotas following 1971 veterans' kins' petitions. The Supreme Court later suspended the ruling, pending an appeal hearing and said will take up the issue on Sunday.
Bangladesh Protests Live Updates: Nationwide curfew extended till 3 pm today
The nationwide curfew, which was imposed till 10 am on Sunday, has been extended to 3 pm. Government authorities brace for a Supreme Court hearing on the controversial job quotas scheduled for later in the day.
Bangladesh Protests Live Updates: Why are students protesting in Bangladesh ?
Bangladeshi students have been agitating against the quota system for government jobs in the country. A third of the government jobs in the country is reserved for kin of veterans of the 1971 war of independence against Pakistan and most of the veterans are of Sheikh Hasina's Awami League party. The students demand a merit-based system instead.
While the protests were ongoing Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's statement on July 14 - “If the grandchildren of the freedom fighters don’t get quota benefits, should the grandchildren of Razakars get the benefit?” led to outrage in the country. Violence erupted in the country since then and so far 114 people have been killed.
Bangladesh Protests Live Updates: Student leaders and govt representatives met on Friday | Recap
As the turmoil continued in Bangladesh, representatives of student protesters and government met late Friday to reach a consensus. Student leaders raised the demand for a reform of the current quota system and reopening of student dormitories shut by police.
Bangladesh Protests Live Updates:'Shoot-on-sight' order to US' travel advisory - What happened yesterday | 10 points
In case if you are tuning in now, here's a wrap of what happened in violence-hit Bangladesh yesterday:
Bangladesh Protests Live: 'Shoot-on-sight' order for police, only emergency services permitted today
Welcome back to the Live Coverage
Good morning and welcome back to the Live Coverage of the crisis in Bangladesh that has already killed over 100 people. As the government clamps down on protesters with a shoot-on-sight order, folllow this space for latest news and updates from the ground.
Bangladesh Protests Live: US raises travel advisory for Bangladesh amid civil unrest
The US State Department has elevated Bangladesh's travel advisory to level three, cautioning against travel to the country due to civil unrest fueled by ongoing protests. The advisory urges travelers to reconsider their plans amid rising tensions and demonstrations in the Asian nation.
Why it's important
Bangladesh is facing unprecedented protests as students demand an end to a controversial quota system, which reserves 30% of government jobs for the families of independence war veterans.
The situation has escalated, with police using tear gas to disperse crowds, and the government imposing severe restrictions, including a ban on public gatherings, communication blackouts, and a curfew.
The military has also been deployed in some areas. The crackdown has resulted in the deaths of dozens of protesters over the past week, making it a critical and volatile situation.
Reconsider travel to Bangladesh
The US State Department has issued a level three travel advisory for Bangladesh, urging travelers to reconsider their plans due to civil unrest in Dhaka and other areas.
Security Concerns
Ongoing demonstrations and violent clashes reported in Dhaka and neighboring areas
Delays in routine consular services possible due to security situation
US Embassy personnel subject to movement and travel restrictions, limiting emergency services for US citizens. (Reuters)
Bangladesh Protests Live: US issues warning amid volatile situation in Bangladesh
The US State Department has declared the situation in Bangladesh "extremely volatile and unpredictable." As a result, the US Embassy in Dhaka is operating with significantly reduced services.
"All but emergency consular services are canceled until further notice. Mission personnel have been advised to shelter in place until further notice," the State Department announced tweeted.
Amid this unrest, Bangladesh has blocked mobile internet and broadband services, significantly impacting freedom of expression. This move has drawn international concern, with former US Ambassador to Bangladesh William B. Milam urging the US government and the global community to hold the Bangladesh Government accountable for its actions.
Bangladesh Protests Live: 284 more people enter India from violence-hit Bangladesh via Meghalaya
On Saturday, a total of 284 individuals crossed into India from violence-stricken Bangladesh through the Dawki Integrated Check Post (ICP) in Meghalaya’s West Jaintia Hills district. Among them were 168 Nepali nationals, 115 Indians—including eight students from Meghalaya—and one Canadian. This brings the total to 953 people, including students from India, Nepal, and Bhutan, who have crossed into India via Dawki ICP in the past three days due to unrest in Bangladesh.
The Meghalaya government has set up a helpline for those needing assistance while fleeing the violence. Protests in Dhaka and other parts of Bangladesh have intensified as students demand reforms to the quota system that reserves up to 30% of government jobs for veterans' families.
In Assam, over 40 students have returned from Bangladesh since the violence erupted. The Assam government is coordinating with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to ensure the safety of residents and visitors. As of July 19, 41 students from Assam had been safely repatriated through the Sutarkandi ICP. The district administration is actively assisting, with a magistrate and deputy superintendent of police stationed at the border.
Some students from Dhubri have crossed into India via West Bengal and are expected to return to their home district by train. The Chief Minister’s Office has advised those wishing to return to contact the helpline at +880-1937400591. The state government is in ongoing contact with the MEA to facilitate the safe return of its citizens. (PTI)
Bangladesh Protests Live: 800 Nepali students stranded in violence-hit Bangladesh return home
Around 800 Nepali students, stranded in Bangladesh due to ongoing unrest, have returned home, according to a source from the Foreign Ministry on Saturday.
The students made their way back to Nepal through both road and air routes. The Nepali government has developed a safe rescue plan to assist students facing difficulties returning home amid the latest political developments in Bangladesh.
The Foreign Ministry issued a notice urging stranded Nepali students who wished to be rescued to contact the Nepal embassy in Dhaka. The students were instructed to fill out online forms to receive assistance with their rescue.
Bangladesh Protests Live: Doing everything possible of safety of students, says Bhutan PM
Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay announced on social media that the Royal Government of Bhutan are' doing everything possible to ensure the safety and well-being' of their students protest-hit Bangladesh. He further said that the country's embassy in Dhaka is 'working tirelessly to support and accomodate the students, while coordinating with relevant authoities of ensure their swift return.
Bangladesh Protests Live: Govt declares next two days as ‘public holidays’
In the wake of the quota-related turmoil Bangladesh government declared Sunday (July 21) and Monday (July 22) as “public holidays”, with only emergency services allowed to remain operational on those two days, according to Reuters. The number of casualties increased to 114.
Bangladesh Protests Live: 284 students crossed over to India via Meghalaya
In a social media post, Meghalaya CM Conrad Sangma confirmed that 284 students entered India through the state's Dawki integrated checkpost. These students comprised of 115 (including 8 from Meghalaya) from India, 168 from Nepal and one from Canada.
Bangladesh Protests Live: 41 students from Assam repatriated; more expected to return
As Indian students continue to return from neighbouring Bangladesh, than 40 students from Assam have been repatriated, said officials in Guwahati, on Saturday.
The Assam government is in contact with the Ministry of External Affairs to ensure safety of people from the state residing or visiting Bangladesh.
Karimganj district commissioner's (DC) Facebook page stated, “Till 19th July, 41 students from Assam were safely repatriated from Bangladesh via Sutarkandi integrated check post amid violent protests against job quotas." The post added that the Kairmganj DC and the superintendent of police have visited the ICP at Sutarkandi and interacted with the students, enquiring about their wellbeing and further course of action.
Deputy Commissioner Mridul Yadav also announced that that more students are expected to return through the border point. “The district administration is geared up to help them. A magistrate and deputy superintendent of police have been stationed 24 hours at the border till the situation eases,” he said. Yadav added that no tension is anticipated in the border area as the ongoing problems of Bangladesh are its internal matters.
The state government is yet to share the number of people from Assam residing or visiting the neighbouring country, or whether people have contacted the government for safe evacuation. (PTI)
Bangladesh Protests Live: Know all about the ‘shoot-on-sight-order’ imposed by police
Bangladesh Protests Live: 186 more people return to India via Meghalaya
A total of 186 more people, who were stuck in Bangladesh, came back to India on Saturday via Dawki integrated check post in Meghalaya's West Jaintia Hills district, according to officials. While 88 are from India, 98 of them are from Nepal, including eight students from Meghalaya.
A senior home department official said, "In the past three days, a total of 856 people from India, Nepal and Bhutan, mostly students, have crossed over to the country from Bangladesh due to agitation there."
The Meghalaya government has launched a helpline number for those who require assistance in turmoil-hit Bangladesh and buses have been kept on standby in Agartala and other logistics arranged, according to Meghalaya CM Conrad Sangma. (PTI)
Bangladesh Protests Live: Here;s what has happened so far
- The streets in Dhaka, Bangladesh's capital, remained deserted amid a nationwide curfew. Bangladesh soldiers continued to patrol through the empty streets.
- The curfew was eased for two hours to allow people to get essentials and emergency services, however authorities said that curfew will continue till Sunday morning.
- Amid unrest in Bangladesh over the government job quota system, Indian students returned home.
- The Ministry of External Affairs in the morning confirmed that around 978 Indian students have been evacuated from violence-hit Bangladesh and authorities are confident in bringing back more Indians, with 15,000 Indians, including 8,500 students, in Bangladesh.
- Later, in the day 11 students, including five Nepalese, crossed at the Fulbari border outpost near Siliguri. Six Indian students returned via the Mekhliganj border gate in Cooch Behar district.
- The Border Security Force in afternoon announced that about 100 students returned to India from violence-hit Bangladesh through two integrated checkposts in Tripura on Saturday.
Bangladesh Protests Live: MEA is fully focused on ensuring safety of Indians, says EAM Jaishankar
India's Minister of External Affairs appreciated 'the concern of families and well wishers of Indian nationals in Bangladesh' and said that the ministry is 'fully focused on ensuring their safety and well-being'. in an update on X.
Bangladesh Protests Live: Supreme Court to hear appeal on Sunday
Bangladesh's apex court, with its full bench is scheduled to hear appeal against the disputed job quota that has triggered violent protests across the country, on Sunday at 10 am, according to a BBC Bangla update.
Bangladesh Protests Live: State will seek annulment of High Court verdict, says Attorney General
Bangladesh Attorney General Aminuddin Manik said that the state side will seek cancellation of the High Court's verdict on the controversial quota reform as 'not legal', reported BBC Bangla.
Bangladesh Protests Live: Fully prepared to handle and respond to the influx of students , says BSF
Facilitating the return of students from Bangladesh, the Border Security Force said that it is fully prepared to handle and respond to the influx of students. "BSF is working tirelessly in the evacuation of students from the violence hit areas," it said on X.BSF #Tripura is fully prepared to handle and respond to the influx of students due to current ongoing unrest in #Bangladesh. BSF is working tirelessly in the evacuation of students from the violence hit areas.
Bangladesh Protests Live: Meghalaya & Tripura CMs announce return of students
Chief Ministers of Meghalaya and Tripura announced return of Indian students via their respective states from turmoil-hit Bangladesh. Our medical students from Bangladesh have safely crossed Sonamura border in Tripura. All the formalities are being completed for their onward journey to Shillong. Thank you @DrSJaishankar ji @DrManikSaha2 ji for all arrangements and BSF for all assistance. pic.twitter.com/AKxxkvt3Me— Conrad K Sangma (@SangmaConrad) July 20, 2024
Bangladesh Protests Live: Glimpses from violennce-hit Dhaka
Bangladesh Protests Live: 11 students cross over to India via West Bengal
11 students, including, five Nepalese students crossed over at the Fulbari border outpost near Siliguri and six Indian students returned via the Mekhliganj border gate in Cooch Behar district, according to police.
Rahul Rai, a Nepalese student at Rangpur Medical College in Bangladesh, told reporters, "The situation is bad in Bangladesh. Clashes with security forces are taking place everywhere. We felt unsafe and decided to return." Figures of students entering India will be available to the immigration authorities, who are still gathering the data, informed a source in the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission.
A Bangladeshi tourist at the Petrapole border outpost in West Bengal's North 24 Parganas district expressed concern about the lack of communication with relatives in Jessore. He and his friends had initially planned to visit Darjeeling but decided to return due to escalating violence in their country. (PTI)
Bangladesh Protests Live: 100 students return from violence-hit Bangladesh through Tripura border
The Border Security Force announced that about 100 students returned to India from violence-hit Bangladesh through two integrated checkposts in Tripura, on Saturday.
BSF (Tripura Frontier) said in a statement, "Indian and foreign students, who are studying in Bangladesh, are returning to India as the agitation has now become violent. Today, till 1600 hrs, approx 100 students, including those from Nepal, have returned using valid documents."
The statement further stated that the BSF is closely monitoring the situation across the border and troops are on high alert. BSF, Tripura Frontier, Inspector General (IG) Patel Piyush Purushottam Das assured all possible assistance to the students and spoke to the Border Guards Bangladesh (BGB) officers for cooperation at their end.
BSF has made "all necessary arrangements, including refreshments and transport, at the ICPs to facilitate smooth arrival and further movement of the students to their destinations", it said. "Around 240 students from Meghalaya, Assam, Mizoram and Nepal, who have been studying in Bangladesh are expected to return through the state's two ICPs- Srimantapur and Akhaura. The DMs concerned were asked to coordinate with BSF," said a senior state government official. (PTI)
Bangladesh Protests Live: Journalist shot dead in Jatrabari
A Dhaka journalist has been killed in Jatrabari area of Dhaka amid the ongoing quota arrests on Thursday, reported local media outlet Somoy TV. The deceased, identified as Hasan Mehedi was working for Dhaka Times and was brought to DMK Hospital in the capital city, where the doctors declared him brought dead, according to the report.
Bangladesh Protests Live: Ticket to serve as curfew pass, US embassy informs traveling citizens
The US Department of State Consular Affairs urged its citizens in the violence-hit country to 'practice vigilance and reconsider their travel plans.' In the view of an imposed curfew, it enlisted travel advisory for those travelling via Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka in a post on X.
According to the post, passengers must present a ticket or e-ticket (printed or digital copy) which will act as a curfew pass.
Bangladesh Protests Live: US embassy cancels consular services until further notice
The US Department of State Consular Affairs in a social media update on X announced that the US Embassy in Dhaka continues to offer only limited services at this time. In a wake of the curfew, apart from emergency consular services, other services are cancelled until further notice.
"Mission personnel have been advised to shelter in place until further notice," it read.
Bangladesh Protests Live: Over 970 Indian students evacuated from Bangladesh
As of now, around 978 Indian students have been evacuated from violence-hit Bangladesh. The External Affairs Ministry has been expressing confidence in bringing back Indians from the neighbouring country. There were around 15,000 Indians, including 8,500 students in Bangladesh, according to Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal.
Bangladesh Protests Live: Want my country to live in peace, says Bangladeshi student in Kolkata
While Bangladeshi students in India worry over the situation back home, one among them Rusell Robin urged his Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to take steps to end violence and bloodshed. "If she takes right measures then this situation will end. I want my country to live in peace," said the final year student of vocal music at RBU.
Bangladesh Protests Live: Don't want to see anymore bloodshed, says Bangladeshi student in West Bengal
The chaotic situation in Bangladesh has left those studying in West Bengal worried about their kin back home. Amrita Sarkar, a Bangladeshi student at Visva-Bharati University in West Bengal told The Indian Express that she is praying for the safety of her fellow countrymen and students who have hit the streets to protest against the quota system. "I am very worried over the situation unfolding in my country. I don't want to see anymore bloodshed in a students protest. They are my brothers. The genocide must stop," said the 25-year-old who hails from Mihirpur in Bangladesh.She has been lucky to talk to her family for a few seconds through internet last night. "We are also not getting any information as television news channels are also off air. We are only getting updates from social media and internet. We don't know whether they are real or misleading news," said Sarkar who is studying masters at Rabindra Nrittya at VBU since 2020 and returned to the campus in Santiniketan in Birbhum district on July 8.
Bangladesh Protests Live: Worried about my parents, says Bangladeshi student in India
Amid the chaotic situation in the neighbouring country, Bangladeshi students in West Bengal express concern over their kin. As the curfew is going and communication is disrupted, the students are worried about the well-being and safety of their parents.
Speaking to The Indian Express, Bangladeshi student at Visva-Bharati University (VBU), Katha Ghosh said she could not talk to her family since telecommunication services have been disrupted.
'I just returned to the university four days back to complete my final semester. The day after the protests broke out in the country which have resulted in so many deaths. I have failed to establish a contact with my family as internet and telecommunication services have been disrupted. I am worried for my parents,' said Ghosh who hails from Jessore in Bangladesh and studying Bengali at VBU for last five years.
Santanu Chowdhury reports
Bangladesh Protests Live: MoS Kirti Vardhan Singh expresses confidence in evacuating Indian students from Bangladesh
Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh exuded confidence in bringing back Indian students back from violence-hit Bangladesh. Singh reiterated Extrenal Affairs Ministry's stance that the ongoing anti-quota protests is an internal matter of the neighbouring country and told ANI that the economic condition will improve there. In a video posted by the news agency on X, Singh said, "This is a worrying issue...Students' issues should always be heard and we are hopeful that the Bangladesh government will resolve is matter soon..."
Bangladesh Protests Live: PDSF activists extend solidarity to Bangladesh students by staging protest in Kolkata | Recap
While Bangladesh students staged protests against the quota system, activists of Progressive Democratic Students Federation in West Bengal's Kolkata extended solidarity to them with a demonstration on Friday.
Bangladesh Protests Live: Bangladesh soldiers patrol through empty streets amid curfew
The streets in Dhaka, Bangladesh's capital remain deserted amid the nationwide curfew imposed in the country. Reuters reported that Bangladesh soldiers continued to patrol through the empty streets on Saturday. Shortly, the curfew will be eased for two hours so that people can get out for essentials and emergency services.