Indian Nationals Are Safe, EAM Jaishankar Monitoring Situation: MEA On Bangladesh Protests

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday said that all Indian nationals are safe in Bangladesh amid the ongoing violent protests.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is himself monitoring the situation, the MEA said in a statement. "As you are aware, there are protests which are happening in Bangladesh. We have around 8500 students and somewhere around 15,000 Indian nationals resident in the country," ANI quoted MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal as saying in the weekly press briefing on Friday.

The MEA spokesperson has also said that it will keep giving regular updates on the situation and urged the family members of Indian nationals there to be in touch with the Indian High Commission in Bangladesh.

"We have issued a travel advisory for people to be in touch with the High Commission and for us to render any assistance that they may need. The External Affairs Minister himself is monitoring the situation. The High Commission will be giving regular updates on the situation there. We will also be giving regular updates and we urge all family members of Indian nationals who reside in Bangladesh to be in touch. We remain committed to provide all possible assistance to our nationals," Jaiswal stated.

"All Indian nationals are safe there...we have a large student community, around 8500 students, many are pursuing medical education. They are safe and sound, they are in touch with the Indian High Commission, to our Assistant High Commissioner as well," Randhir Jaiswal said.

Protests in Bangladesh have intensified against the 'controversial' quota system in government jobs, resulting in several deaths and hundreds of injuries. In response, authorities have imposed restrictions on internet and mobile services, as well as on gatherings.

Earlier, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued an advisory directing Indian nationals in Bangladesh to avoid local travel amid the protests. The advisory stated that the High Commission and Assistant High Commissions are available on helpline numbers for any required assistance and advised minimizing movement outside living premises.

In New Delhi, security has been heightened outside the Bangladesh High Commission as a precautionary measure, anticipating possible protests. Several police personnel were seen stationed outside the Commission's office on Friday morning.