The Ministry of External Affairs has informed that around 978 students from India studying in Bangladesh have returned to the country amid the students’ protest that has claimed over 100 lives. The Ministry said in a press statement that till now, 778 Indian students have returned to India through various land ports while around 200 students have returned home by regular flight services through Dhaka and Chittagong airports.

It informed that the High Commission of India in Dhaka and the Assistant High Commissions in Chittagong, Rajshahi, Sylhet and Khulna have been assisting the return of Indian nationals home following the recent developments in Bangladesh. To ensure safety and security of Indian nationals and students, it said that the Commissions are coordinating with the local authorities, to facilitate safe travel to the border crossing points along the India Bangladesh International Border. MEA also said that it is also coordinating with civil aviation, immigration, land ports and BSF authorities to ensure a smooth passage for our citizens.

The Ministry further said that the High Commission of India in Dhaka and our Assistant High Commissions are in regular touch with more than 4000 students remaining in various universities in Bangladesh and are providing necessary assistance. Students from Nepal and Bhutan have also been assisted with their crossing into India on request, it added.

Yesterday, Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Conrad Sangma said that around 405 students have been evacuated from Bangladesh including 80 from Meghalaya. He informed that students from Nepal and Bhutan were among those evacuated.

Students in Bangladesh are demanding reforms in the job quota system which they claim is discriminatory. As a result, a nationwide curfew has been imposed and all educational institutions have been shut down indefinitely.