In the wake of widespread protests against job quotas in Bangladesh, 202 Indian nationals, mostly students, have successfully crossed back into India via Meghalaya’s Dawki integrated check post. This return marks a significant step in ensuring the safety of Indian citizens amidst escalating violence in the neighboring country.
“By Thursday evening at 6:45 pm, 202 Indians stranded due to the violence have crossed from Dawki,” confirmed a Meghalaya home department official, who requested anonymity. “We have taken all possible measures to ensure the safety of the students. The situation is under control, but the government continues to monitor it closely.”
Among the returnees, 198 are students, with 67 hailing from Meghalaya. The group also includes students from Nepal (101) and Bhutan (seven), alongside 23 individuals from other Indian states and four tourists.
The Meghalaya state government has been actively coordinating with the Bangladesh High Commission and the Land Port Authority to facilitate the safe return of Indian nationals. A dedicated helpline (1800 345 3644) has been established, and nodal officers Additional Police Superintendent Hiwot Rymbai (+91 96157 16153) and Land Port Executive Thomas (+91 84150 60802) have been appointed to oversee the evacuation process.
Amidst the turmoil, Bangladeshi authorities cut mobile internet services in several parts of the country on Thursday, which saw the worst violence yet with 13 fatalities. Students armed with sticks and rocks clashed with police in Dhaka, leading to the deaths of at least 19 people over the week.
Andrew Sholomar, the organizing secretary of the Bangladesh Indigenous People’s Forum (BIPF), described the situation in Dhaka as dire. “A nationwide shutdown was called today [Thursday], and students were sent away from examination halls but remain stranded. There is no transport available, and the streets are deserted,” he said.
Sholomar emphasized the uncertainty and danger faced by students, including hundreds from Meghalaya who are studying medicine, engineering, and other professional courses in Bangladesh. “Everything has come to a standstill, and we are trying to stay indoors for our safety,” he added.
This evacuation effort underscores the critical importance of international cooperation and swift action in times of crisis, ensuring the well-being of students and citizens abroad.
