Violence in Bangladesh.Image Credit source: AFP

Violent protests are continuously taking place in Bangladesh against reservation in government jobs. The entire country is in the fire of violence. In view of the violence, internet, mobile and rail services have come to a complete standstill. So far 28 people have lost their lives in the violence in Bangladesh. The Indian government is keeping an eye on the violence in the neighboring country and the process of bringing back Indians and students trapped in Bangladesh has started.

There are 15000 Indians in Bangladesh, out of which 8500 are students. Indian students are being brought back safely from Bangladesh. They are being brought from Bangladesh to West Bengal. A total of 245 Indians have returned home in the first batch at 8 pm, which includes 125 students.

Officials say the Indian High Commission in Dhaka is coordinating with local authorities in Bangladesh to provide adequate security to students wishing to travel to India.

245 Indians returned to their country

The Indian High Commission is facilitating the return of Indian students from Bangladesh to India in coordination with the BSF and the Bureau of Immigration. Officials say that a total of 245 Indian nationals were brought to West Bengal on Friday. These include 125 Indian students and 13 Nepali students.

Benapole-Petrapole, Gede-Darshana and Akhaura-Agartala on the border between India and Bangladesh will remain open for students and Indian citizens to travel to India.

Meanwhile, on the nationwide protests against reservation in jobs in Bangladesh, former Indian Ambassador to Bangladesh Harsh V Shringla said that we are seeing such reports. The radical student organization, which is part of Jamaat-e-Islami. The opposition is BNP, which has been involved in protests and demonstrations, which has added a political dimension to it.

He said that there may be other elements which are detrimental to the interests of Bangladesh, such as the involvement of ISI. I mean, there are reports that whether it is true or not, the government will have to do its own investigation to find out, but people are trying to take advantage of the situation. Earlier, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has assured to look into the whole matter.

Helpline numbers issued

On the other hand, a statement has been issued by the Indian High Commission in Bangladesh. In view of the ongoing situation in Bangladesh, members of the Indian community and Indian students living in Bangladesh have been advised not to travel locally and stay in accommodation.

In case of any emergency or requirement of assistance, please contact the High Commission and our Assistant High Commissions on the following 24-hour emergency numbers, the statement said:

Indian High Commission, Dhaka
+880-1937400591 (Also on WhatsApp)

Indian Assistant High Commission, Chittagong
+880-1814654797 / +880-1814654799 (Also on WhatsApp)

Indian Assistant High Commission, Rajshahi
+880-1788148696 (Also on WhatsApp)

Indian Assistant High Commission, Sylhet
+880-1313076411 (Also on WhatsApp)
+880-1313076417 (Also on WhatsApp)

Indian Assistant High Commission, Khulna
+880-1812817799 (Also on WhatsApp)

Maitree and Bandhan Express cancelled

Meanwhile, the Indian Railways has cancelled the Kolkata-Dhaka Maitree Express on Saturday and the Bandhan Express between Kolkata and Khulna on Sunday.

The cancellation comes amid violent protests in Bangladesh demanding the abolition of the job quota system, which has disrupted normal life in many places.

Citing “uncertain circumstances”, an Eastern Railway official said 13108 Kolkata-Dhaka Maitree Express will remain cancelled on Saturday. Services of 13129/13120 Kolkata-Khulna Bandhan Express will remain cancelled on Sunday “due to uncertainty in availability of rakes”.