Indian nationals in Bangladesh urged to stay indoors in wake of anti-quota protests

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.

Student protesters in Bangladesh have been demanding an end to quotas for government jobs and have called for a nationwide shutdown following deadly clashes this week that resulted in six deaths and hundreds of injuries.

Angered by high youth unemployment, with nearly 32 million out of work or education among a population of 170 million, the students have pressed for the abolition of a quota of 30% reservations for the families of freedom fighters.


The Indian embassy said, "In view of the ongoing situation in Bangladesh, the Indian community members and members and the Indian students residing in Bangladesh are advised to avoid travel and minimize their movement outside their living premises."

The embassy has also given multiple 24-Hour Emergency numbers for any assistance. High Commission of India, Dhaka
+880-1937400591 and Assistant High Commission of India, Chittagong +880-1814654797 / +880-1814654799.

Meanwhile, the protests are the first significant challenge to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's government since she won a fourth straight term in January in an election boycotted by the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).

In an address to the nation on Wednesday, Hasina promised her government would set up a judicial panel to investigate the deaths after police fired bullets and tear gas to scatter protesters.

On August 7, the Supreme Court will hear the government's appeal against a High Court verdict that ordered reinstatement of the 30% reservation for the families of those who fought in the 1971 war of independence from Pakistan, she added.

Hasina asked the students to be patient until the verdict.

The violence was sparked by nationwide clashes between thousands of protesters and members of the student wing of Hasina's ruling party, the Awami League. At least three students were among the six killed in Tuesday's clashes, police said.