Indian Students Return Amid Protests in Bangladesh

Around 150 Indian students have returned from Bangladesh through the Integrated Check Post in Agartala amid ongoing countrywide protests against job quotas. The Ministry of External Affairs is ensuring their safety, and the Border Security Force is making necessary arrangements for their return.

Amid countrywide protests in Bangladesh against job quotas, approximately 150 Indian students returned through the Integrated Check Post in Agartala. They arrived on Saturday amidst escalating unrest.

Rajeev Agnihotri, DIG and Sector Commander for the Border Security Force (BSF), confirmed the influx. He mentioned that these students returned via various Integrated Check Posts (ICPs). 'Due to the current situation in Bangladesh, Indian and foreign students are coming back through different ICPs. Till now, around 150 students have come back. BSF is making all necessary arrangements,' he said.

West Tripura District Megistrate Vishal Kumar elaborated on the severity of the protests. 'In the last 4-5 days, anti-reservation protests have significantly impacted students and citizens, including Indians. Nearly the entire system is under seizure,' Kumar noted. External Affairs Minister (EAM) Jaishankar assured that the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is focused on ensuring the safety and well-being of Indian nationals in Bangladesh.

Jaishankar shared updates on the return of Indian nationals in Bangladesh on X, previously posted by MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal. 'Appreciate the concern of families and well-wishers of Indian nationals in Bangladesh. MEA is fully focused on ensuring their safety and well-being. The current situation is as follows,' he wrote.

The High Commission of India in Dhaka and Assistant High Commissions in Chittagong, Rajshahi, Sylhet, and Khulna have been assisting in the repatriation of Indian nationals. MEA is also coordinating with civil aviation, immigration, land ports, and BSF authorities to facilitate safe travel. The protests are driven by demands for reform in Bangladesh's job quota system, leading to a curfew and nationwide mobile internet shutdown to control disinformation, as reported by The Washington Post.

(With inputs from agencies.)