Bangladesh is currently experiencing significant political unrest as students revolt against Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government. This turmoil has prompted international advisories and robust responses from neighboring countries as well as a situation near to emergency in Bangladesh.
In response to such an escalating situation, the United States has heightened its travel advisory for Bangladesh to the highest level, ‘Do Not Travel’. The US Department of State has permitted the voluntary departure of non-emergency government employees and their families, citing concerns over civil unrest, crime, and terrorism.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is actively working to ensure the safety of Indian nationals in Bangladesh. Nearly 1,000 Indian students have returned home in between the violence. The Indian missions in Bangladesh are in continuous communication with local authorities to enhance security measures. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has emphasized the MEA’s commitment to the safety of Indians, noting that 778 students have returned via land ports and another 200 by flights. This coordinated effort underscores the importance of protecting Indian nationals during this period of instability.
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In response to violent clashes between students and the police, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has canceled all her foreign trips and imposed a nationwide curfew. The military has been deployed to support civilian authorities in maintaining order and enforcing the curfew, which began at midnight. The Prime Minister’s office has requested the military’s assistance after law enforcement agencies struggled to control the escalating chaos.
The press secretary for Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, told AFP, “The government has decided to impose a curfew and deploy the military in aid of the civilian authorities.”
Additionally, Bangladesh’s Supreme Court is poised to rule on the controversial civil service hiring quotas that have sparked widespread unrest. The allocation of government jobs has been a contentious issue, leading to protests and the deaths of at least 133 people. In an attempt to restore order, the government has imposed a strict curfew with “shoot-on-sight” orders across the country.
As the situation unfolds, the international community is closely monitoring the developments in Bangladesh, the neighbors are hoping for a peaceful resolution to the current crisis as well as the nation’s head.
