‘Avoid local travel’: Advisory issued to Indian students in Bangladesh amid anti-quota protests

NEW DELHI: The High Commission of India in Dhaka has issued an advisory to Indian students residing in Bangladesh in view of the ongoing situation. It advised Indian community members to avoid local travel and minimise their movement outside their living premises. Protests have been ongoing for over a month against the 30% reservation in government jobs for relatives of veterans of Bangladesh's 1971 war.

The ministry of external affairs also advised Indian students to follow the advisory issued and said that the high commission and assistant high commissions will remain available on helpline numbers for any assistance required by Indian nationals.

In view of the ongoing situation in Bangladesh, the Indian community members and the Indian students residing in Bangladesh are advised to avoid local travel and minimize their movement outside their living premises.

“In case of any urgency or need for assistance, please reach out to the High Commission and our Assistant High Commissions at the following 24-Hour Emergency numbers” given below.

Under the existing system, 30% of jobs are reserved for descendants of 1971 Liberation War veterans, 10% for administrative districts, 10% for women, 5% for ethnic minority groups, and 1% for physically handicapped people. Every year, 3,000 government jobs open up to nearly 400,000 graduates, the PTI reported.

In view of the ongoing situation, the government has advised universities to remain closed as 6 people have died in violent protests so far.