Nearly 1,000 Indians return from Bangladesh as deadly clashes rock country

New Delhi, July 20

A total of 978 Indian nationals have returned from Bangladesh since violent protests engulfed the country. 

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the Indian High Commission at Dhaka has arranged for security escorts, where necessary, for travel by road within Bangladesh to reach the designated land-ports or border crossing points.

The neighbouring country has imposed curfew last night following spread of violence.

Off the 978 Indians, 778 opted to take the land route while 200 persons took flights, the MEA said on Saturday. There are about 15,000 Indian nationals, including 8,000 students in Bangladesh.

“Security escorts have also been arranged, where necessary, for their travel by road during repatriation through select land ports,” a statement of the MEA said, adding that the High Commission in Dhaka is also coordinating with civil aviation authorities of Bangladesh and commercial airlines to ensure uninterrupted flight services to India from Dhaka and Chittagong, which can be used by Indian nationals to return to home.

Indian nationals, who are wanting to return to India are being assisted by the High Commission in Dhaka and also the Assistant High Commissions at Chittagong, Rajshahi, Sylhet and Khulna.

Coordination is being maintained with local authorities, measures are being taken to facilitate safe travel to the border crossing points along the India-Bangladesh International Border. 

MEA is also coordinating with civil aviation, immigration, land ports and BSF authorities to ensure a smooth passage.

India-Bangladesh have designated border crossings at Benapole- Petrapole; Gede-Darshana and Akhaura-Agartala.

The High Commission of India in Dhaka and Assistant High Commissions are in regular touch with more than 4,000 students remaining in various universities in Bangladesh and are providing necessary assistance. 

Students from Nepal and Bhutan have also been assisted with their crossing into India on request.