The Indian government has succeeded in bringing back from trouble-torn Bangladesh 998 out of the total 8,500 students.
The Ministry of External Affairs on Saturday said that so far, 778 Indian students have returned to India through various land ports. In addition, around 200 students have returned home by regular flight services through Dhaka and Chittagong airports.
At least 106 people and thousands injured in violent clashes this week, according to data from hospitals across Bangladesh.
The MEA said in an update that the High Commission of India in Dhaka and the Assistant High Commissions in Chittagong, Rajshahi, Sylhet and Khulna have been assisting the return of Indian nationals home following the recent developments in Bangladesh.
The High Commission of India, in coordination with the local authorities, is taking measures to facilitate safe travel to the border crossing points along the India Bangladesh International Border.
MEA is also coordinating with civil aviation, immigration, land ports and BSF authorities to ensure a smooth passage for our citizens.
The MEA stated, “The High Commission of India in Dhaka and our Assistant High Commissions are in regular touch with more than 4000 students remaining in various universities in Bangladesh and are providing necessary assistance. Students from Nepal and Bhutan have also been assisted with their crossing into India on request.’’
He further said that the High Commission and Assistant High Commissions are in regular touch with Bangladesh authorities to ensure safety and security of Indian nationals and students. Security escorts have also been arranged, where necessary, for their travel by road during repatriation through select land ports.
The High Commission in Dhaka is also coordinating with civil aviation authorities of Bangladesh and commercial airlines to ensure uninterrupted flight services to India from Dhaka and Chittagong, which can be used by our nationals to return to home.
The High Commission of India in Dhaka and the Assistant High Commissions of India in Bangladesh remain available for any assistance required by Indian nationals through the emergency contact numbers listed below:
High Commission of India, Dhaka
+880-1937400591
Assistant High Commission of India, Chittagong
+880-1814654797 / +880-1814654799
Assistant High Commission of India, Rajshahi
+880-1788148696
Assistant High Commission of India, Sylhet
+880-1313076411
+880-1313076417
Assistant High Commission of India, Khulna
+880-1812817799
MEA Official Spokesperson Randheer Jaiswal said at the media briefing on Friday India remains committed to provide all possible assistance to its nationals.
He said that there are 8,500 students and close to 15,000 Indian nationals residing in Bangladesh.
“All our Indian nationals are safe there. as I told you 8,500 students are there about. Many of them pursue medical education also in that country. So they’re all safe and sound. And we are in touch. They are in touch with our High Commission, with our Assistant High Commission as well. And we are regularly keeping in touch with them to render all assistance, any assistance that they may need,’’ Randheer Jaiswal said.
India has 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. External Affairs Minister is himself monitoring the situation.
He added that 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, follow us for regular updates,” he said.
(With Inputs From Reuters)
