Returning Indians given escort, 1K back from violence-hit Bangladesh: MEA

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New Delhi, July 20

A total of 978 Indian nationals have so far returned from Bangladesh, which has been reeling under deadly clashes over a controversial job-quota system. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Saturday said the Indian High Commission in Dhaka had arranged security escorts, where necessary, for the travel of Indian nationals by road to reach designated land ports or border crossing points.

The neighbouring country imposed curfew last night after the spread of violence. Of 978 Indians, 778 opted for land route, while 200 took flights, the MEA said. There are about 15,000 Indian nationals, including 8,000 students in Bangladesh.

In a statement, the MEA said the High Commission in Dhaka was coordinating with the civil aviation authorities and commercial airlines of Bangladesh to ensure uninterrupted flight services to India from Dhaka and Chittagong.

Indian nationals who want to return are being assisted by the High Commission in Dhaka and also by the Assistant High Commissions in Chittagong, Rajshahi, Sylhet and Khulna. Measures are being taken to facilitate their safe travel to the border crossing points. The MEA is also coordinating with the immigration, land ports and the BSF authorities to ensure a smooth passage for Indian nationals.

India and Bangladesh have designated border crossings at Benapole-Petrapole, Gede-Darshana and Akhaura-Agartala. Officials are in regular touch with more than 4,000 students still staying in Bangladesh and are providing necessary assistance. Students from Nepal and Bhutan have also been assisted with their crossing into India on request.