Nationwide protests in Bangladesh has led to the death of over 100 persons, which has forced Indian-origin students to return to India using every/any available means of transport. Over 300 people were reported to have crossed the border on Friday alone in the northeast.
Students in Bangladesh, after a near-complete internet shutdown on Thursday and severe disruptions to telephone services, opted to temporarily depart the country. They expressed concerns about being disconnected from their families and chose to wait and observe the situation before making their decision, multiple media reports suggested.
Amidst the turmoil, around 125 Indian students, particularly those pursuing MBBS degrees, faced challenges in returning to their educational institutions. Many of these students hailed from regions across India, including Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Meghalaya, and Jammu and Kashmir. Their return routes included key crossings such as the international land port at Akhurah near Agartala in Tripura and the international land port at Dawki in Meghalaya.
The protests in Bangladesh have intensified over the past three weeks, reaching a critical point on Monday when there was a violent outbreak at Dhaka University. The unrest claimed six lives the following day, prompting the government to take drastic measures by ordering the closure of schools and universities nationwide. The closure affected thousands of students across the country, disrupting academic activities and adding to the broader societal unrest already fueled by economic grievances and political tensions.
The escalation began amidst ongoing demonstrations primarily driven by student grievances over government job quotas. These protests initially started peacefully but grew increasingly heated as tensions mounted.
These routes served as vital lifelines for students trying to navigate the cross-border journey amidst the ongoing protests and disruptions. The closure of these ports or any disruption in their operations would have further complicated the already challenging situation for these students, potentially delaying their return to academic pursuits and heightening concerns for their safety and well-being.
As the protests in Bangladesh continued to unfold, the situation remained fluid and volatile. Reports of casualties and injuries continued to emerge, underscoring the gravity of the unrest and the profound impact on both the educational sector and the broader community. The government’s response, including imposing curfew and deployment of military forces, reflected its efforts to contain the situation and manage the escalating crisis.