Measures are being taken to facilitate safe travel by Indian students to the border crossing points along the India-Bangladesh International Border
Nearly 1,000 Indian students have returned home through land border crossings or via flights from Bangladesh, following violent protests against quotas in government jobs that have left more than 100 people dead.

About 4,000 more students remain in the country and are being provided assistance by the Indian High Commission and the Assistant High Commissions in Bangladesh, according to information shared by the Ministry of External Affairs on Saturday (July 20. 2024).
 
According to the MEA, 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. “In coordination with the local authorities, measures are being taken by the High Commission and the Assistant High Commissions 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 said.
 
Thus 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. “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,” the MEA said.
 
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 MEA added.
 
Addressing the media on Friday (July 19, 2024), MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said all the Indian nationals in Bangladesh were safe. “We have issued an advisory for Indian nationals, including our students, resident in Bangladesh for their safety and assistance if required. Helpline numbers operating on a 24X7 basis have been given for people to reach out,” MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in response to questions during the weekly media briefing.
 
The Indian High Commission in Dhaka earlier issued an advisory to members of the Indian community and the Indian students in Bangladesh asking them to “avoid local travel and minimize their movement outside their local premises”. The advisory listed 24-hour Emergency numbers of the Indian High Commission in Dhaka and the Assistant High Commissions in Chittagong, Rajshahi, Sylhet, and Khulna.
 
According to news reports, violence during the ongoing protests against quotas in government jobs has claimed at over 100 lives. Protesters have burnt down government buildings and damaged public property.