Indian High Commission In Dhaka Issues Advisory For Indian Nationals Amid Violent Clashes

The Indian High Commission in Dhaka has issued an advisory for Indian nationals in Bangladesh, advising them to avoid travel and minimise movement outside their living premises due to ongoing violence. This measure is aimed at ensuring the safety and security of Indian citizens during the unrest.

New Delhi:Given the ongoing protests in Bangladesh over the current job quota system, the Indian High Commission in Dhaka on Thursday issued an advisory for the Indian community members and Indian students to avoid travel and minimise their movement outside their living premises.

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

The advisory said, "Given the ongoing situation in Bangladesh, the Indian community members and the Indian students residing in Bangladesh are advised to avoid travel and minimise their movement outside their living premises. In case of any urgency or need for assistance, please reach out to the High Commission and our Assistant High Commissions at the following 24-Hour Emergency numbers."

The High Commission of India in Dhaka and the Indian Assistant High Commissions in Chittagong, Sylhet and Khulna disclosed 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, Rajshahi +880-1788148696 (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).

According to sources, the protests demand immediate reform of the country's quota system for civil service jobs, which currently reserves positions for specific groups, including descendants of those who participated in the 1971 War of Independence against Pakistan.

On Thursday, tensions peaked as students clashed with law enforcement in various locations across Dhaka. In Merul Badda, near Brac University, demonstrators forcefully blocked roads and engaged in violent confrontations with police, resulting in multiple injuries. Later, the police deployed tear gas to disperse the crowd, leading to significant traffic disruptions in the area, as reported by Dhaka Tribune.

The recent protests in Bangladesh stem from dissatisfaction with the quota system, which reserves civil service positions for specific groups. This system has been a contentious issue for years, reflecting frustrations over both the quota system and law enforcement's response to peaceful student movements.