Indians In Bangladesh Urged To Stay Indoors Amid Violent Protests

Indian citizens in Bangladesh have been advised to avoid travel and minimise their movement outside their residences due to ongoing nationwide protests against the government's job quota system.

The Indian High Commission in Dhaka issued this advisory, urging Indian community members and students to stay indoors unless absolutely necessary. In case of emergencies, Indians are advised to contact the High Commission and the Assistant High Commissions through their 24-hour emergency numbers.

"In view of the ongoing situation in Bangladesh, the Indian community members and the Indian students residing in Bangladesh are advised to avoid travel and minimize their movement outside their living premises," the Indian High Commission in Dhaka said in an advisory.

The protests in Bangladesh are centered on demands to abolish a quota system for government jobs, which opponents argue unfairly benefits members of the ruling party and reserves positions for specific groups, including descendants of participants in the 1971 war of independence against Pakistan.

Despite an olive branch from Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who promised justice for six individuals killed during the demonstrations, the students have vowed to continue their protests and shut down all establishments except hospitals and emergency services.

These protests present a huge challenge to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's government since her re-election for a fourth term in January, in an election boycotted by the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).

On August 7, the Supreme Court will hear the government's appeal against a High Court verdict that ordered the reinstatement of a 30% reservation for the families of those who fought in the 1971 war of independence.

Meanwhile, PM Hasina has asked the students to be patient until the verdict is delivered.