Amid the violent protests raging in Bangladesh, Kashmiri students studying in the country have expressed concerns over their safety and demanded immediate relocation from their hostels.
The protests, driven by demands for reforms in the government job quota system, have resulted in at least twenty deaths and widespread disruptions across the country. The violence intensified on Monday when activists from the ruling party’s student wing, the Bangladesh Chhatra League, confronted protesters. These demonstrators argue that the current quota system unfairly prevents meritorious students from securing government jobs.
The existing system reserves 56% of government jobs for specific groups, including descendants of the 1971 Liberation War freedom fighters, women, backward administrative districts, ethnic minorities, and people with disabilities. Each year, nearly 400,000 graduates vie for approximately 3,000 government positions, exacerbating competition and frustration among job seekers.
In response to the escalating violence, the Bangladeshi government ordered the indefinite closure of all public and private universities, schools, and colleges on Tuesday night, instructing residential students to vacate their dormitories.
Despite the Indian High Commission urging Indian nationals to remain vigilant and providing multiple emergency contact numbers, Kashmiri students have reported increasing safety concerns.
Soliha, an MBBS student from Srinagar studying at a medical college in Bangladesh, described the situation as very volatile. “Although the Indian embassy is guiding us to stay inside the hostel, there is no guarantee we will be safe even inside because it looks like a civil war. People are on a rampage, brutally beating and killing students,” she said.
Local reports indicate the death toll has reached 56. Soliha expressed frustration that colleges are not providing clear instructions on what students should do. She mentioned that some Kashmiri students had contacted the embassy for assistance in leaving their hostels, but their requests were declined.
The Indian High Commission’s statement read, “In view of the ongoing situation in Bangladesh, the Indian community members and the Indian students residing in Bangladesh are advised to avoid travel and minimise their movement outside their living premises.” The mission provided multiple 24-hour emergency contact numbers for assistance: High Commission of India, Dhaka: +880-1937400591 (also on WhatsApp), Assistant High Commission of India, Chittagong:+880-1814654797 / +880-1814654799 (also on WhatsApp), Assistant High Commission of India, Rajshahi: +880-1788148696 (also on WhatsApp), Assistant High Commission of India, Sylhet: +880-1313076411 (also on WhatsApp), Assistant High Commission of India, Khulna: +880-1812817799 (also on WhatsApp).
Another concern among the students is the internet. “We have social media groups of Kashmiri students here, but we have lost contact with many as the internet has been snapped in many parts. We fear not being able to contact our families,” Soliha said.
Kashmiri students are calling for evacuation, fearing that the protests and unrest will not subside soon. “We just want the Indian embassy to help us reach the airports because going on our own isn’t safe. We need to get home safely,” said Mehboob, a student in Chittagong, Bangladesh. “With the number of students killed and injured, the situation is escalating daily. Soon, it will be impossible for us to even reach the airports.”
Altaf Bukhari, Chief of Apni Party, has sought government intervention to safeguard the estimated 5,000 to 6,000 Kashmiri students in Bangladesh.
“Deeply anguished over the ongoing clashes in Bangladesh, witnessing protests from the student community. Urge Govt of India to take urgent measures for the safety of our students studying there. Also urge the Ministry of External Affairs @DrSJaishankar to ensure their safety and, if needed, make arrangements to bring them back. Appeal to students to avoid confrontations detrimental to their life or career. Students from J&K presently studying in Bangladesh can contact Apni party helpline number (9419008864) if any problem arises,” he tweeted.