Sri Lankan Nationals in Bangladesh Safe Amid Civil Strife, Authorities Confirm

Sri Lankan authorities have confirmed that their nationals in Bangladesh remain unaffected by the civil unrest gripping the country. Around 3,000 Sri Lankans, including over 50 students in Bangladeshi universities, are being monitored closely. The ongoing protests are due to demands for the government to scrap a controversial job quota system.

Sri Lankan authorities confirmed on Sunday that the Sri Lankan workers in Bangladesh have not been affected by the ongoing civil commotion in the country.

Bangladesh has witnessed deadly clashes following demands from protesting students for the government to dissolve a controversial job quota system. Despite these tensions, no Sri Lankan nationals appear to be harmed, authorities noted. Approximately 3,000 Sri Lankans are currently in Bangladesh, with over 50 students pursuing education in three universities, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) reported. They emphasized that the situation is under close monitoring by the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE).

In wake of the unrest, the Sri Lankan High Commissioner in Bangladesh has taken steps to ensure the safety of Sri Lankan nationals, directly contacting students and their parents with safety instructions, while also coordinating with universities to prioritize students' welfare. The MFA has reassured that none of the Sri Lankan students in Bangladesh have been affected by the clashes. Meanwhile, Bangladesh has imposed a strict curfew with military forces patrolling the capital.

(With inputs from agencies.)