The Impressive TimesDhaka, July 18, 2024 – The Indian High Commission in Dhaka has issued a travel advisory urging Indian nationals and students in Bangladesh to avoid non-essential travel and limit their movements due to escalating unrest in the country.
The advisory comes in response to violent clashes that erupted in Dhaka following the Bangladeshi government’s decision to close all public and private universities amid protests over the nation’s civil service quota system. The system allocates positions for certain groups, including descendants of individuals involved in the 1971 war of independence.
In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), the High Commission urged Indian citizens and students to “avoid travel and minimize their movement outside their living premises” due to the ongoing situation.
The unrest intensified as students clashed with law enforcement in various areas of Dhaka. Protests near Brac University in Merul Badda saw demonstrators block roads and engage in violent confrontations with police, leading to several injuries. The police responded with tear gas, causing significant traffic disruptions, as reported by the Dhaka Tribune.
Protesters also blocked access to the Bashundhara Residential Area on Pragati Sarani and disrupted traffic on the Dhaka-Chittagong highway in Jatrabari, leading to widespread public transportation issues. Heavy police presence was noted around the Mirpur 10 roundabout, with many local markets and shops closing in response to the unrest.
The clashes initially stemmed from allegations of police misconduct and have evolved into broader demands for justice for victims of previous protests, as well as calls for non-violent reforms to the quota system. The movement also seeks to create a safer campus environment, according to the Dhaka Tribune.
The Indian High Commission has provided emergency contact numbers for Indian nationals needing assistance:
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