The ongoing quota movement in Bangladesh has turned the country extremely volatile and the situation is becoming worse with every passing day. The serious situation has also led to the indefinite closure of schools and colleges as well as curfews. So far, according to various reports more than 100 -most of them stuident were killed in police firing. All internet services were put off the air. This highly uncertain situation has forced many Indian students studying in Bangladesh to return home. In response to the situation, the Indian High Commission in Bangladesh has taken proactive measures to assist these students. A dedicated helpline has been set up, and the High Commission is working in coordination with civil aviation, immigration, land ports, and the Border Security Force (BSF) to ensure the safe return of Indian citizens, including students.
On Saturday afternoon, 24 students managed to cross the border from Bangladesh through the Sonamura-Srimantapur land port. Among these students were individuals from South India, Kashmir, and various northeastern states. It is expected that an additional 140 students will arrive in India through the same port by the evening. Some students are also entering Tripura via the Akhaura land port. BSF personnel stationed at the land ports in Tripura have played a crucial role in assisting these returning students. They have ensured that all necessary administrative procedures are completed promptly and have provided transportation to the customs office after the students enter Indian territory.
To support the returning students, the Bhagat Singh Youth Hostel, with assistance from the state government, is offering temporary accommodation and meals. As these students prepare to return to their home states, they have requested reduced airfare from Tripura to their respective destinations.
A statement from the BSF highlighted the efforts made to facilitate the students’ return. On Saturday morning, Patel Piyush Purushottom Patel, IG Tripura Frontier, received a distress call from the parent of a student studying at Brahmanbaria Medical College. The parent expressed concern about the students’ well-being due to the lack of internet and mobile network connectivity. The IG immediately contacted the Region Commander of Border Guards Bangladesh (BGB) at Comilla, and a coordinated operation was initiated. BGB ensured the safe passage of the students to the border near BOP Akhaura, where BSF personnel welcomed them with hot food and refreshments. The students were then transported in BSF vehicles for further travel to their destinations. By 4 PM on Saturday, around 100 students, including those from Nepal, had returned to India using valid documents. More students are expected to follow, and BSF is closely monitoring the situation across the border, with troops on high alert.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has been actively coordinating with various authorities to ensure a smooth passage for Indian citizens. According to the MEA, around 1,000 Indian students have returned to India through various land ports and regular flights from Dhaka and Chittagong airports. Of these, 778 students returned via land ports, while approximately 200 students returned home by regular flight services. The High Commission of India in Dhaka, along with the Assistant High Commissions in Chittagong, Rajshahi, Sylhet, and Khulna, has been assisting Indian nationals in their return.
The MEA emphasized that measures are being taken in coordination with local authorities to facilitate safe travel to the border crossing points along the India-Bangladesh International Border. The High Commission and Assistant High Commissions remain in regular contact with more than 4,000 students still in various universities in Bangladesh, providing necessary assistance. Additionally, students from Nepal and Bhutan have also been assisted in crossing into India upon request.
The High Commission and Assistant High Commissions are maintaining regular communication with Bangladeshi authorities to ensure the safety and security of Indian nationals and students. Security escorts have been arranged for travel by road during repatriation through select land ports. The High Commission in Dhaka is also coordinating with Bangladeshi civil aviation authorities and commercial airlines to ensure uninterrupted flight services to India from Dhaka and Chittagong. These measures aim to provide a safe and efficient return for Indian nationals.
The MEA has assured that the High Commission of India in Dhaka and the Assistant High Commissions of India in Bangladesh remain available for any assistance required by Indian nationals through emergency contact numbers. The situation continues to be closely monitored, and efforts are being made to ensure the well-being and safe return of all Indian students affected by the ongoing unrest in Bangladesh.
