Families of Indians advised to follow govt updates in Bangladesh: MEA

New Delhi, July 19: As families of Indians, including students studying in various educational institutions in Bangladesh, express concern over being cut off due to slow internet services, the Indian government has urged them to follow the latest developments on the websites of the High Commission of India in Bangladesh and the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

"External Affairs Minister (EAM) is himself following the matter closely. Our High Commission will be providing regular updates. I will also be posting regular updates. I would urge family members to follow us for the latest developments," an MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a weekly press briefing.

"We remain committed to providing all possible assistance to our nationals in Bangladesh. Around 8,500 students among 15,000 Indian nationals are in Bangladesh. We are aware of the measures taken by the local authorities in view of the protests. Our High Commission remains in touch with local authorities for the safety of our nationals," the spokesperson added.

An advisory has been issued for Indian nationals, including students residing in Bangladesh, to ensure their safety and assistance if required. Helpline numbers operating on a 24/7 basis have been provided for people to reach out.

Earlier, former Chief Minister of the erstwhile Jammu and Kashmir state, Mehbooba Mufti, appealed to the government to take immediate steps to bring Kashmiri students back home. "As protests & turmoil grip Bangladesh, I urge @DrSJaishankar to urgently intervene & ensure the safety of thousands of Kashmiri students in Bangladesh. Internet services being suspended has only added to the distress of their parents. Immediate steps must be taken to bring them back home," she posted on X.

The Jammu & Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) also appealed to Dr Jaishankar for urgent assistance in relocating and ensuring the safety of Kashmiri students in Bangladesh. The Association stated that there are more than 3,500 Kashmiri students enrolled in different colleges and universities in Bangladesh.

Regarding Indian official comments on the situation and protests in Bangladesh, the MEA spokesperson said, "As you are aware, there are ongoing protests in Bangladesh. We see this as an internal matter of the country," said Randhir Jaiswal, MEA spokesperson, in a weekly press briefing.

The protests in Bangladesh have escalated, with police and security officials firing bullets and tear gas at protesters and banning all gatherings in the capital. Internet and mobile services have been cut off after days of deadly clashes over the allocation of government jobs.

The unrest, which began weeks ago but sharply intensified recently, poses the biggest challenge to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina since her re-election in January. State broadcaster Bangladesh Television (BTV) went off the air after student demonstrators allegedly set fire to its headquarters on Thursday . The protests have led to widespread disruptions, including a near-total internet blackout and the closure of schools and universities.

The protests are driven by demands to reform a system that reserves a third of public sector jobs for the relatives of veterans from Bangladesh's 1971 war for independence from Pakistan. High unemployment levels, especially among young people, and economic inequality have fuelled the discontent.

In 2018, a similar quota system was scrapped following protests but was reinstated by the High Court in June. The Supreme Court suspended the quotas for one month while taking up the case.

The demonstrations, which began at Dhaka University, have spread nationwide, leading to violent clashes between security forces, protesters, and government supporters. Human rights groups accuse the government of using unlawful force against protesters and suppressing dissent through extrajudicial means.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has appealed for calm, but protest organizers have rejected government offers of dialogue, accusing authorities of escalating the violence. The situation remains tense as the government attempts to quell the protests and restore order.