978 Indians Returned Amid Bangladesh Protests, Nationwide Curfew Imposed

In a tragic turn of events in Bangladesh, following the anti-quota protests, the Bangladesh government has resorted to a few extreme security measures amid rising violence in the student protests that have killed 113  people. The Bangladesh government has imposed a nationwide curfew and continuing internet shutdown in many areas. 

Cops And Military Receive Shoot-On-Sight Order

Following the brutal protests on Friday, July 18, the Shiekh Hasina government decided to impose a nationwide curfew to curb the violence after the government failed to take control. On Saturday, violence took over again after the government tried to briefly lift the curfew. Upon witnessing the chaos, the police and military also received a ‘shoot-on-sight’ order from the authorities. According to recent reports, the curfew is said to continue until Sunday, July 21. Internet shutdown was also imposed in some areas. Government websites along with the top online portals in the country remain shut for the time being. 

Amid Nationwide Curfew, Countries Issue Travel Advisory

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has declared Sunday and Monday as public holidays amid the protests when only the emergency services would operate. The curfew is said to lift on Sunday evening between 3 PM and 5 PM for people to run their errands. Many countries have issued travel advisories in Bangladesh and informed their countries’ citizens to not avoid visiting the country at this time. Sheikh Hasina was supposed to take a trip which she later cancelled due to the escalation in the unrest.

Indian Mission Facilitated Return Of 978 Indians 

The Indian mission in Bangladesh has facilitated the return of 978 Indians settled there. The Ministry of External Affairs has reported that 778 Indians returned back through the land borders while another 200 returned through flights. In the first batch, 245 Indians returned to India on Friday night. The Indian mission is currently in touch with another 4000 Indians in Bangladesh. The Supreme Court in Bangladesh is set to decide on the quota system on Sunday, with thousands of students anticipating a decision in their favor.

Reservation Of Seats For Descendents of War Veterans

The unrest in the country is followed by a decision by the country’s Supreme Court on the quota system in civil service jobs. The decision included a specified reservation of positions for those who are descendants of war veterans in Bangladesh’s 1971 war of independence against Pakistan. The new reservation policy ignited outrage among students applying for civil service jobs across the country. July 18 was the most deadly day of the ongoing protests.