Indian nationals in Bangladesh urged to stay indoors amid escalating protests

Dhaka: The Indian High Commission in Dhaka has issued an urgent advisory for Indian citizens and students in Bangladesh to avoid non-essential travel and minimise movement outside their residences due to the escalating unrest in the country.

Violent Clashes in Dhaka

The advisory comes in response to recent violent clashes between students and police in Dhaka, following the Bangladeshi government's decision to close all public and private universities.

Demands for Quota System Reform

The protests have been driven by demands for reform of the country's quota system for civil service jobs, which reserves positions for specific groups, including descendants of those who participated in the 1971 War of Independence against Pakistan.

Protests Intensify on Thursday

On Thursday, protests intensified as students clashed with law enforcement in various locations across Dhaka.

Violence in Merul Badda and Beyond

In Merul Badda, near Brac University, demonstrators blocked roads and engaged in violent confrontations with police, resulting in multiple injuries. By late morning, police deployed tear gas to disperse the crowd, leading to significant traffic disruptions in the area, Dhaka Tribune reported.

Broader Demands and Police Presence

The protests began in response to perceived police brutality and have evolved into a broader demand for justice for those injured or killed in previous demonstrations, as well as a call for a violence-free campus and rational reform of the quota system, as reported by Dhaka Tribune.

Emergency Contact Information for Indian Nationals

In light of the volatile situation, the High Commission of India in Dhaka and the Indian Assistant High Commissions in Chittagong, Sylhet, and Khulna have established 24-hour emergency contact numbers for Indian nationals and students who require assistance.

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)

(With ANI inputs)