202 Stranded Indians, Students Rescued from Bangladesh Via Meghalaya's Dawki Check Post

Meghalaya: Amid the ongoing countrywide protests in Bangladesh against job quotas, 202 Indian nationals, primarily students, have successfully rescued and brought back to India through the Dawki integrated check post in Meghalaya.

MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal on Friday tweeted, "Indian nationals in Bangladesh are requested to follow the advisory issued by the High Commission of India in Dhaka. The High Commission and Assistant High Commissions remain available on helpline numbers for any assistance required by Indian nationals."

The protests, which have turned violent in various parts of Bangladesh, have led to significant disruptions. On Thursday, Bangladesh police used tear gas to disperse protestors in Dhaka. As of 6:45 PM that evening, 202 Indian nationals stranded due to the unrest crossed over from Dawki, located approximately 81.5 km from Shillong, according to an unnamed Meghalaya home department official. The official assured that all possible measures have been taken for the safety of the students and the government is closely monitoring the situation.

Out of the 202 returnees, 198 are students, with 67 hailing from Meghalaya. The others include 101 students from Nepal, seven from Bhutan, and 23 from various other Indian states. Four tourists were also among those who crossed over.

The state government has been in constant communication with the Bangladesh high commission and the Land Port Authority to ensure the safe return of Indian nationals. A dedicated helpline (1800 345 3644) has been set up for assistance. Additionally, Hiwot Rymbai, the Additional Police Superintendent (+91 96157 16153), and Thomas, the Land Port Executive (+91 84150 60802), have been appointed as nodal officers to facilitate the evacuation and rescue operations for those from Meghalaya.

Thursday marked a particularly violent day, with Bangladeshi authorities cutting mobile internet services in parts of the country. Thirteen people were killed in clashes, and the protests saw students armed with sticks and rocks confront police in Dhaka. Over the week, at least 19 people have lost their lives.

Andrew Sholomar, the organizing secretary of the Bangladesh Indigenous People’s Forum (BIPF), described the situation in Bangladesh as grim. Speaking from Dhaka, he reported that a nationwide shutdown had been called, leading to the suspension of exams and students being stranded with no available transport. "Everything has come to a standstill and we do not know what will happen next except try to remain indoors for our safety," Sholomar said.

Hundreds of students from Meghalaya are currently studying medicine, engineering, and other professional courses in Bangladesh, further underscoring the critical need for continued vigilance and support from the authorities.