Indian embassy issues alert amid student protests in Bangladesh

Amidst renewed student protests in Sylhet, Bangladesh, the Indian Embassy has advised Indian nationals to remain vigilant.

The advisory, issued on Sunday, comes as clashes between protesters and police have resulted in multiple injuries, with one protester reportedly shot and hospitalized, according to local media reports.

The Assistant High Commission of India (AHCI) in Sylhet shared a post on X, urging all Indian nationals, including students, within its jurisdiction to stay in touch with the office and exercise caution. A helpline number was provided for emergency situations.

The AHCI, which operates under the general supervision of the High Commission of India in Dhaka, oversees the issuance of visas and the welfare of Indian nationals in the districts of Sylhet, Moulvibazar, Sunamganj, Habiganj, Kishoreganj, and Netorokona. It also promotes bilateral trade and cultural exchanges.

The protests erupted around 11 a.m. at the Court Point area in Sylhet, as students demonstrated against the reservation quota for families of veterans. In an attempt to disperse the protesters, police employed tear gas and sound grenades, leading to violent clashes. The police have not yet commented on the incident.

Students in Bangladesh have been protesting against the high unemployment rate and the reinstatement of a 30 percent reservation quota for the families of veterans from the 1971 Independence War. The quota system in government jobs, which was abolished in 2018 following a major student movement, was reinstated by a court ruling in June.

Indian nationals in the affected areas are advised to maintain contact with the AHCI and follow safety guidelines to avoid any potential risks during these turbulent times.