Bangladesh Quota Protest: How Taxis, Security Forces Helped Indian Students Escape Bangladesh?

Violent clashes between student protesters and security forces in Bangladesh have escalated significantly, resulting in over 100 reported deaths.

The unrest, which erupted over controversial government job reservation policies, prompted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's administration to impose a nationwide curfew and deploy military forces to restore order.

Photo Credit: PTI

Government Measures and Student Evacuation

In response to the escalating violence, the Indian government has undertaken significant measures to evacuate its citizens, particularly students, from Bangladesh, as reported by NDTV. The situation led to a nationwide curfew imposed by the Bangladeshi government on July 19, with military forces being deployed to control the unrest. This action has facilitated the evacuation process for Indian students.

Student Evacuation Details

- Number of Evacuated Students: As of July 20, approximately 700 Indian students have been reported to have returned to India from Bangladesh.

- Modes of Evacuation: Of these, around 200 students utilized regular flight services through Dhaka and Chittagong airports. The Indian High Commission in Dhaka, along with Assistant High Commissions, has been actively assisting the remaining 4,000 students across various universities in Bangladesh, as per Reuters reports.

Specific Cases and Experiences

Several students have shared their experiences of returning amid the chaos. For instance:

- Private Taxis and Security Escorts: On July 19, about 80 medical students hired private taxis, which were escorted by security, to travel from their colleges to the border with West Bengal. This group, including student Asif Hussain, described the journey as stressful due to the disruption and the fear of being cut off from their families.

- Travel and Border Crossing: The students left their college at 2:30 am and reached the border after six hours. They successfully crossed into India in the afternoon after clearing immigration. Hussain and others faced an additional journey to their hometowns in India, with some opting for land routes due to flight unavailability, as reported by First Post.

Challenges Faced by Indian Students

The ongoing unrest has led to several challenges for students:

- Disruption of Services: Internet and telephone services were disrupted on July 18, making communication with families difficult and prompting students to seek alternative evacuation routes.
- Evacuation via Land Ports: Many students, unable to secure flight tickets, chose to return via land ports such as Akhurah in Tripura and Dawki in Meghalaya, as per media reports. The road journey was seen as a safer and more viable option amid the unrest.

Border Security and Assistance

- Border Security Force (BSF) Actions: On July 19, the BSF evacuated 125 Indian students through the Dawki integrated check post in Meghalaya, as reported by First Post. The force has been actively involved in managing the return of students and ensuring their safety.

- Coordination with Local Authorities: The High Commission of India is working closely with local authorities in Bangladesh and India to provide the necessary security and support to returning students.

Indian Government's Response

- Advisories and Assistance: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has urged Indian citizens in Bangladesh to minimize movement and stay in contact with the Indian High Commission. The MEA has reassured that all Indian nationals are safe and has provided guidance to family members of students in Bangladesh.

- Support for Other Nationals: The MEA has also extended assistance to students from Nepal and Bhutan, helping them return to their respective countries.

India-Bangladesh: Context and Historical Ties

- Student Demographics: Approximately 8,500 Indian students are currently studying in Bangladesh, with a significant number pursuing medical degrees, as per media reports. About 15,000 Indians reside in Bangladesh, reflecting the deep historical and cultural ties between the two nations.

- Historical Background: The relationship between India and Bangladesh dates back to the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War, during which India supported Bengali nationalists in their struggle for independence from Pakistan.

Conclusion

The Indian government has taken extensive measures to ensure the safe return of its students from Bangladesh amidst ongoing protests and violence. With continuous support and coordination from the Indian High Commission and local authorities, the evacuation process is being managed effectively. The situation remains dynamic, and further updates are expected as the crisis develops.

This explainer aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current situation, the steps taken for student evacuation, and the broader context of the unrest in Bangladesh.