245 Indians Cross Border from Bangladesh Amid Escalating Student Protests

245 Indians Cross Border from Bangladesh Amid Escalating Student Protests

On Friday, over 260 individuals—13 of whom are citizens of Nepal—entered the border from Bangladesh into India, bringing the total number of persons who have crossed the land border during violent protests in the neighboring country to almost 500. According to sources familiar with the situation who asked to remain anonymous, 245 Indian nationals—125 of whom were students—and 13 Nepalese students entered West Bengal from Bangladesh at the Gede immigration checkpoint until 8 p.m. on Friday. On Thursday, 202 more Indian nationals—mostly students—passed through the Dawki checkpoint in Meghalaya. According to the people, some 101 citizens of Nepal and seven citizens of Bhutan also left Bangladesh using this checkpoint.

The Indian High Commission in Dhaka arranged for the 13 Nepalese students’ transit via Gede, according to the people. Violent protests against government job quotas have shook Bangladeshi cities this week, including the nation’s capital Dhaka. As demonstrators clashed with police and pro-government student organizations, over thirty individuals lost their lives and hundreds more were injured. According to the persons, the Indian high commission in Dhaka is working with Bangladeshi authorities to ensure that students who are eager to return to India have proper protection.

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In cooperation with the Bureau of Immigration and the Border Security Force (BSF), the high commission is supporting the journey of these students. Those who are Indian nationals departing Bangladesh can continue to cross the border at Gede-Darshana, Benapole-Petrapole, and Akhaura-Agartala, according to the people. According to them, support for the Indian citizens will come from the Indian high commission in Dhaka as well as the assistant high commissions in Chittagong, Khulna, Rajshahi, and Sylhet. An estimated 15,000 Indians, including 8,500 students, are thought to be in Bangladesh, according to the external affairs ministry on Friday. All Indians are safe, although a warning on Thursday advised people to stay indoors and not travel.