More than 360 Indians, Nepalis cross into Bangladesh from Meghalaya, violence as nationwide curfew imposed
Quota protests turned violent in Bangladesh on July 1, escalating violent clashes that erupted after the High Court reinstated quotas for freedom fighters, reserving one-third of civil service posts for their descendants.
In the wake of unrest in Bangladesh, more than 670 persons from India, Nepal and Bhutan have sought refuge in Meghalaya, with another 363 crossing through the Daki Integrated Check Post. This influx includes 204 Indians, 158 Nepalis and one Bhutanese. Notably, 80 residents of Meghalaya, mainly students, have also returned to the state, with 13 arrivals recorded on Friday alone. In response to the growing crisis, the Meghalaya government has taken proactive measures by establishing a dedicated helpline (1800-345-3644) to assist its citizens in Bangladesh. It is meant to provide support and guidance to those affected by the unrest in the neighboring country, to ensure the safety and welfare of persons taking refuge in Meghalaya.
Many of the returning students were pursuing MBBS degrees and most of them were from Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Meghalaya and Jammu and Kashmir. The two major routes used by students to return on Friday are the international land port at Akhurah near Agartala in Tripura and the international land port at Dawki in Meghalaya.
Bangladesh has imposed a nationwide curfew
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's administration has declared a nationwide curfew in Bangladesh in response to days of violent clashes over the allocation of government jobs. The decision, announced by Obedul Kader of the ruling Awami League party, followed deadly clashes between protesters and security forces, resulting in several casualties. Deployment of military forces has been ordered to restore order and support civil authorities.
The demonstrations, mainly led by students, are protesting the government's job quota system, which reserves important positions for certain groups. Protesters argue that this approach is discriminatory and prevents qualified individuals from entering government roles.
On Friday, protesters freed 'hundreds' of inmates from a prison in central Bangladesh's Narsingdi district before setting the prison building on fire, local police said.
“The prisoners escaped from the prison and the protesters set the prison on fire”, a police official told news agency AFP on condition of anonymity. “I don't know the number of prisoners, but it would be in the hundreds”, he added.
Earlier, the Dhaka police force banned all public gatherings in an attempt to prevent further violence.
“We have today (Friday) banned all rallies, processions and public gatherings in Dhaka,” police chief Habibur Rahman said, adding that the move was necessary to ensure “public safety”.
However, the second round of clashes between the police and the protesters did not stop despite the internet shutdown aimed at frustrating the organization of the rally.
“Our protest will continue,” said one protester, who wanted the 'immediate resignation of Sheikh Hasina'. “The government is responsible for the killing”, he added.
At least 64 people have died in the unrest so far, according to some reports citing hospital casualties. Some reports also said that 104 people were killed and more than 2,500 injured in clashes between students, government supporters and security forces.
Quota protests turned violent in Bangladesh on July 1, escalating violent clashes that erupted after the High Court reinstated quotas for freedom fighters, reserving one-third of civil service posts for their descendants. Thousands of students faced armed police armed with sticks and stones in cities across Bangladesh, including Dhaka, Chattogram, Rangpur and Comilla.
