The situation in Bangladesh has deteriorated significantly, prompting a large-scale evacuation of Indian students. With protests against the reintroduction of job reservations escalating, over 300 students crossed into India through border points in the northeast on a single day.
The conflict has resulted in more than 100 deaths, with students clashing with security forces and pro-government activists. The unrest began as students protested the reinstatement of a quota system in government jobs, leading to violent confrontations.
The protests intensified on Monday when violence erupted at Dhaka University, leading to six deaths the following day. In response, the government closed universities nationwide.
Indian Students Flee Bangladesh Amid Escalating Protests and Violence
This escalation has forced many Indian students, primarily from states like Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Meghalaya, and Jammu and Kashmir, to flee Bangladesh. Key border crossing points used by these students include Akhurah in Tripura and Dawki in Meghalaya.
Students reported that they decided to return home after facing severe restrictions, including a near-total internet shutdown and disrupted telephone services. This disconnection from their families, combined with the increasing violence, made their decision to leave more urgent. Many students, such as Aamir from Haryana, were stranded without flight options and had to travel by road to reach safety.
The experiences of students like Mohammed Faiz Abdullah Khan highlight the chaotic conditions in Bangladesh. After being advised by college authorities and the Indian Embassy to return if they felt insecure, students faced restrictions on movement and a tense atmosphere. Khan and others took cabs to the Agartala border, eventually making their way to India with the help of security escorts.
In response to the crisis, Meghalaya officials reported that over 200 Indians, including students and a few from Bhutan and Nepal, crossed the border. The ongoing protests have resulted in over 2,500 injuries and at least 104 fatalities.
The unrest originated from a high court decision reinstating a 30% reservation for family members of freedom fighters from Bangladesh’s 1971 War of Independence. Critics argue that the quota primarily benefits the ruling Awami League party, led by Sheikh Hasina, and hampers job prospects for others.
