SHILLONG, July 18 : More than 190 students from India, Nepal, and Bhutan were being evacuated from Bangladesh through the Dawki land port in Meghalaya following student unrest in the neighbouring country on Thursday.
The students were safely evacuated by the Meghalaya government, together with the Indian and Bangladesh High Commission.
Meghalaya Director of Information and Public Relations, Malthus S. Sangma said, 198 students, including 67 from Meghalaya and 131 from other states, 101 students from Nepal, seven students from Bhutan, and four tourists have entered India through the Dawki Land Port in Meghalaya since the violent clashes erupted in Bangladesh over job reservation.
Bangladesh has been on the boil after violent clashes broke out between security forces and agitating student groups demanding to scrap the 30 percent reservation in government jobs for the families of those who fought in the 1971 War of independence.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Conrad Sangma said the Meghalaya government is in constant touch with the Indian and Bangladesh High Commission, Land Port Authority, Dawki and Exporters Association.
“All efforts are being put for the safe return of the students and nodal officers have been deputed to assist the students,” Sangma said.
He said the government has deputed Additional Superintendent of Police, West Jaintia Hills district Hiwot Rymbai (+91 96157 16153) as the Nodal Officer and Executive Officer, Land Port Authority Dawki, Thomas (?+91 84150 60802) to assist Rymbai.
Moreover, the government has activated a helpline number 1800-345-3644 for Indian citizens seeking any assistance from Bangladesh.
Many Indian students choose Bangladesh for their higher studies because of affordability and other socio-economic advantages.
Study of medicine is particularly attractive and many from India, including Meghalaya, are pursuing medicine in various institutions in Bangladesh.
Meanwhile, given the ongoing situation in Bangladesh, the Indian community members and the Indian students residing in Bangladesh have been advised to avoid local travel and minimize their movement outside their living premises.
The High Commission of India in Bangladesh has released the following 24-hours emergency numbers in case of any urgency or need for assistance.
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 Assistant High Commission of India, Khulna +880-1812817799. They can be contacted either on their mobile number or WhatsApp.
(UNI)
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