As anti-government demonstrations escalate across Bangladesh, India has issued an advisory to its nationals residing in the South Asian nation. In a statement, the Indian High Commission in Dhaka urged Indians to restrict unnecessary travel and minimize movement outside their homes for now.
The advisory comes amid nationwide student-led protests against Bangladesh’s quota system for government jobs. While demonstrations started peacefully earlier this week, clashes have since broken out between protesters and supporters of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s ruling party. With violence intensifying, the safety of citizens has become a concern.
The job quota policy reserves up to 30% positions for relatives of those who fought in the 1971 independence war. Students argue this is unfair and want recruitment based solely on merit. Although the quotas were previously scrapped after protests, the country’s high court reinstated them last month. The ruling triggered the latest unrest as students demand its complete removal.
To assist Indians in need, the High Commission has provided multiple contact helplines across major cities like Dhaka, Chittagong, Rajshahi, Sylhet and Khulna. These can be reached by phone or WhatsApp for any emergencies. As the volatile situation in Bangladesh could persist, the advisory serves as a precaution for nationals to avoid non-essential movement and gatherings outside homes until the protests simmer down.
