Bangladesh Protests Live Updates: Sheikh Hasina government has declared Sunday and Monday as public holidays and the death toll in the violence-hit country has mounted to 114.
Bangladesh Protests Live Updates: Bangladesh police has imposed a stringent curfew with a “shoot-on-sight” order across the country in a move to quell the anti-quota protest, which began weeks ago. The Sheikh Hasina government has declared Sunday and Monday as public holdiays with only emergency services permitted to be operational. The curfew began on Saturday with soldier patrolling through the empty streets of Dhaka and the death toll in the violence-hit country has mounted to 114 since the agitation began.
How many Indians have returned and what’s New Delhi saying? As many as 978 Indians — 778 through land borders and another 200-odd through flights, have returned back home by Saturday, according to Ministry of External Affairs. New Delhi has been cautious not to comment on what it calls an “internal matter” of the neighbouring nation.
How did the protests escalate ? The protests escalated over the last week with Hasina saying on July 14 “If the grandchildren of the freedom fighters don’t get quota benefits, should the grandchildren of Razakars get the benefit?” The statement sparked outrage among youngsters who demand an an end to the quota system in Bangladesh which allocates 30% reservation for kin of veterans who fought in the country’s war of independence in 1971 against Pakistan.
LIVE UPDATES
08:39 (IST) 21 Jul 2024
Bangladesh Protests Live: ‘Shoot-on-sight’ order for police, only emergency services permitted today
- On Sunday, Bangladesh police has imposed a strict curfew with “shoot-on-sight” order.
- The curfew which began on Saturday is expected to last till 10 am Sunday, allowing officers to fire on mobs in extreme cases, said lawmaker Obaidul Quader, the general secretary of the ruling Awami League party.
- The Sheikh Hasina government has declared Sunday and Monday as public holdiays with only emergency services permitted to be operational.
08:08 (IST) 21 Jul 2024
Welcome back to the Live Coverage
Good morning and welcome back to the Live Coverage of the crisis in Bangladesh that has already killed over 100 people. As the government clamps down on protesters with a shoot-on-sight order, folllow this space for latest news and updates from the ground.
04:35 (IST) 21 Jul 2024
Bangladesh Protests Live: US raises travel advisory for Bangladesh amid civil unrest
The US State Department has elevated Bangladesh’s travel advisory to level three, cautioning against travel to the country due to civil unrest fueled by ongoing protests. The advisory urges travelers to reconsider their plans amid rising tensions and demonstrations in the Asian nation.
Why it’s important
Bangladesh is facing unprecedented protests as students demand an end to a controversial quota system, which reserves 30% of government jobs for the families of independence war veterans.
The situation has escalated, with police using tear gas to disperse crowds, and the government imposing severe restrictions, including a ban on public gatherings, communication blackouts, and a curfew.
The military has also been deployed in some areas. The crackdown has resulted in the deaths of dozens of protesters over the past week, making it a critical and volatile situation.
Reconsider travel to Bangladesh
The US State Department has issued a level three travel advisory for Bangladesh, urging travelers to reconsider their plans due to civil unrest in Dhaka and other areas.
Security Concerns
Ongoing demonstrations and violent clashes reported in Dhaka and neighboring areas
Delays in routine consular services possible due to security situation
US Embassy personnel subject to movement and travel restrictions, limiting emergency services for US citizens. (Reuters)
02:38 (IST) 21 Jul 2024
Bangladesh Protests Live: US issues warning amid volatile situation in Bangladesh
The US State Department has declared the situation in Bangladesh “extremely volatile and unpredictable.” As a result, the US Embassy in Dhaka is operating with significantly reduced services.
“All but emergency consular services are canceled until further notice. Mission personnel have been advised to shelter in place until further notice,” the State Department announced tweeted.
Amid this unrest, Bangladesh has blocked mobile internet and broadband services, significantly impacting freedom of expression. This move has drawn international concern, with former US Ambassador to Bangladesh William B. Milam urging the US government and the global community to hold the Bangladesh Government accountable for its actions.
00:46 (IST) 21 Jul 2024
Bangladesh Protests Live: 284 more people enter India from violence-hit Bangladesh via Meghalaya
On Saturday, a total of 284 individuals crossed into India from violence-stricken Bangladesh through the Dawki Integrated Check Post (ICP) in Meghalaya’s West Jaintia Hills district. Among them were 168 Nepali nationals, 115 Indians—including eight students from Meghalaya—and one Canadian. This brings the total to 953 people, including students from India, Nepal, and Bhutan, who have crossed into India via Dawki ICP in the past three days due to unrest in Bangladesh.
The Meghalaya government has set up a helpline for those needing assistance while fleeing the violence. Protests in Dhaka and other parts of Bangladesh have intensified as students demand reforms to the quota system that reserves up to 30% of government jobs for veterans’ families.
In Assam, over 40 students have returned from Bangladesh since the violence erupted. The Assam government is coordinating with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to ensure the safety of residents and visitors. As of July 19, 41 students from Assam had been safely repatriated through the Sutarkandi ICP. The district administration is actively assisting, with a magistrate and deputy superintendent of police stationed at the border.
Some students from Dhubri have crossed into India via West Bengal and are expected to return to their home district by train. The Chief Minister’s Office has advised those wishing to return to contact the helpline at +880-1937400591. The state government is in ongoing contact with the MEA to facilitate the safe return of its citizens. (PTI)
23:37 (IST) 20 Jul 2024
Bangladesh Protests Live: 800 Nepali students stranded in violence-hit Bangladesh return home
Around 800 Nepali students, stranded in Bangladesh due to ongoing unrest, have returned home, according to a source from the Foreign Ministry on Saturday.
The students made their way back to Nepal through both road and air routes. The Nepali government has developed a safe rescue plan to assist students facing difficulties returning home amid the latest political developments in Bangladesh.
The Foreign Ministry issued a notice urging stranded Nepali students who wished to be rescued to contact the Nepal embassy in Dhaka. The students were instructed to fill out online forms to receive assistance with their rescue.
21:20 (IST) 20 Jul 2024
Bangladesh Protests Live: Doing everything possible of safety of students, says Bhutan PM
Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay announced on social media that the Royal Government of Bhutan are’ doing everything possible to ensure the safety and well-being’ of their students protest-hit Bangladesh. He further said that the country’s embassy in Dhaka is ‘working tirelessly to support and accomodate the students, while coordinating with relevant authoities of ensure their swift return.
21:16 (IST) 20 Jul 2024
Bangladesh Protests Live: Govt declares next two days as ‘public holidays’
In the wake of the quota-related turmoil Bangladesh government declared Sunday (July 21) and Monday (July 22) as “public holidays”, with only emergency services allowed to remain operational on those two days, according to Reuters. The number of casualties increased to 114.
21:04 (IST) 20 Jul 2024
Bangladesh Protests Live: 284 students crossed over to India via Meghalaya
In a social media post, Meghalaya CM Conrad Sangma confirmed that 284 students entered India through the state’s Dawki integrated checkpost. These students comprised of 115 (including 8 from Meghalaya) from India, 168 from Nepal and one from Canada.
19:43 (IST) 20 Jul 2024
Bangladesh Protests Live: 41 students from Assam repatriated; more expected to return
As Indian students continue to return from neighbouring Bangladesh, than 40 students from Assam have been repatriated, said officials in Guwahati, on Saturday.
The Assam government is in contact with the Ministry of External Affairs to ensure safety of people from the state residing or visiting Bangladesh.
Karimganj district commissioner’s (DC) Facebook page stated, “Till 19th July, 41 students from Assam were safely repatriated from Bangladesh via Sutarkandi integrated check post amid violent protests against job quotas.” The post added that the Kairmganj DC and the superintendent of police have visited the ICP at Sutarkandi and interacted with the students, enquiring about their wellbeing and further course of action.
Deputy Commissioner Mridul Yadav also announced that that more students are expected to return through the border point. “The district administration is geared up to help them. A magistrate and deputy superintendent of police have been stationed 24 hours at the border till the situation eases,” he said. Yadav added that no tension is anticipated in the border area as the ongoing problems of Bangladesh are its internal matters.
The state government is yet to share the number of people from Assam residing or visiting the neighbouring country, or whether people have contacted the government for safe evacuation. (PTI)
19:37 (IST) 20 Jul 2024
Bangladesh Protests Live: Know all about the ‘shoot-on-sight-order’ imposed by police
19:35 (IST) 20 Jul 2024
Bangladesh Protests Live: 186 more people return to India via Meghalaya
A total of 186 more people, who were stuck in Bangladesh, came back to India on Saturday via Dawki integrated check post in Meghalaya’s West Jaintia Hills district, according to officials. While 88 are from India, 98 of them are from Nepal, including eight students from Meghalaya.
A senior home department official said, “In the past three days, a total of 856 people from India, Nepal and Bhutan, mostly students, have crossed over to the country from Bangladesh due to agitation there.”
The Meghalaya government has launched a helpline number for those who require assistance in turmoil-hit Bangladesh and buses have been kept on standby in Agartala and other logistics arranged, according to Meghalaya CM Conrad Sangma. (PTI)
19:30 (IST) 20 Jul 2024
Bangladesh Protests Live: Here;s what has happened so far
– The streets in Dhaka, Bangladesh’s capital, remained deserted amid a nationwide curfew. Bangladesh soldiers continued to patrol through the empty streets.
– The curfew was eased for two hours to allow people to get essentials and emergency services, however authorities said that curfew will continue till Sunday morning.
– Amid unrest in Bangladesh over the government job quota system, Indian students returned home.
– The Ministry of External Affairs in the morning confirmed that around 978 Indian students have been evacuated from violence-hit Bangladesh and authorities are confident in bringing back more Indians, with 15,000 Indians, including 8,500 students, in Bangladesh.
– Later, in the day 11 students, including five Nepalese, crossed at the Fulbari border outpost near Siliguri. Six Indian students returned via the Mekhliganj border gate in Cooch Behar district.
– The Border Security Force in afternoon announced that about 100 students returned to India from violence-hit Bangladesh through two integrated checkposts in Tripura on Saturday.
19:20 (IST) 20 Jul 2024
Bangladesh Protests Live: MEA is fully focused on ensuring safety of Indians, says EAM Jaishankar
India’s Minister of External Affairs appreciated ‘the concern of families and well wishers of Indian nationals in Bangladesh’ and said that the ministry is ‘fully focused on ensuring their safety and well-being’. in an update on X.
19:12 (IST) 20 Jul 2024
Bangladesh Protests Live: Supreme Court to hear appeal on Sunday
Bangladesh’s apex court, with its full bench is scheduled to hear appeal against the disputed job quota that has triggered violent protests across the country, on Sunday at 10 am, according to a BBC Bangla update.
19:08 (IST) 20 Jul 2024
Bangladesh Protests Live: State will seek annulment of High Court verdict, says Attorney General
Bangladesh Attorney General Aminuddin Manik said that the state side will seek cancellation of the High Court’s verdict on the controversial quota reform as ‘not legal’, reported BBC Bangla.
18:59 (IST) 20 Jul 2024
Bangladesh Protests Live: Fully prepared to handle and respond to the influx of students , says BSF
Facilitating the return of students from Bangladesh, the Border Security Force said that it is fully prepared to handle and respond to the influx of students. “BSF is working tirelessly in the evacuation of students from the violence hit areas,” it said on X.BSF #Tripura is fully prepared to handle and respond to the influx of students due to current ongoing unrest in #Bangladesh. BSF is working tirelessly in the evacuation of students from the violence hit areas.
18:53 (IST) 20 Jul 2024
Bangladesh Protests Live: Meghalaya & Tripura CMs announce return of students
Chief Ministers of Meghalaya and Tripura announced return of Indian students via their respective states from turmoil-hit Bangladesh. Our medical students from Bangladesh have safely crossed Sonamura border in Tripura. All the formalities are being completed for their onward journey to Shillong.
Thank you @DrSJaishankar ji @DrManikSaha2 ji for all arrangements and BSF for all assistance. pic.twitter.com/AKxxkvt3Me— Conrad K Sangma (@SangmaConrad) July 20, 2024
18:46 (IST) 20 Jul 2024
Bangladesh Protests Live: Glimpses from violennce-hit Dhaka
18:28 (IST) 20 Jul 2024
Bangladesh Protests Live: 11 students cross over to India via West Bengal
11 students, including, five Nepalese students crossed over at the Fulbari border outpost near Siliguri and six Indian students returned via the Mekhliganj border gate in Cooch Behar district, according to police.
Rahul Rai, a Nepalese student at Rangpur Medical College in Bangladesh, told reporters, “The situation is bad in Bangladesh. Clashes with security forces are taking place everywhere. We felt unsafe and decided to return.” Figures of students entering India will be available to the immigration authorities, who are still gathering the data, informed a source in the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission.
A Bangladeshi tourist at the Petrapole border outpost in West Bengal’s North 24 Parganas district expressed concern about the lack of communication with relatives in Jessore. He and his friends had initially planned to visit Darjeeling but decided to return due to escalating violence in their country. (PTI)
18:24 (IST) 20 Jul 2024
Bangladesh Protests Live: 100 students return from violence-hit Bangladesh through Tripura border
The Border Security Force announced that about 100 students returned to India from violence-hit Bangladesh through two integrated checkposts in Tripura, on Saturday.
BSF (Tripura Frontier) said in a statement, “Indian and foreign students, who are studying in Bangladesh, are returning to India as the agitation has now become violent. Today, till 1600 hrs, approx 100 students, including those from Nepal, have returned using valid documents.”
The statement further stated that the BSF is closely monitoring the situation across the border and troops are on high alert. BSF, Tripura Frontier, Inspector General (IG) Patel Piyush Purushottam Das assured all possible assistance to the students and spoke to the Border Guards Bangladesh (BGB) officers for cooperation at their end.
BSF has made “all necessary arrangements, including refreshments and transport, at the ICPs to facilitate smooth arrival and further movement of the students to their destinations”, it said. “Around 240 students from Meghalaya, Assam, Mizoram and Nepal, who have been studying in Bangladesh are expected to return through the state’s two ICPs- Srimantapur and Akhaura. The DMs concerned were asked to coordinate with BSF,” said a senior state government official. (PTI)
18:03 (IST) 20 Jul 2024
Bangladesh Protests Live: Journalist shot dead in Jatrabari
A Dhaka journalist has been killed in Jatrabari area of Dhaka amid the ongoing quota arrests on Thursday, reported local media outlet Somoy TV. The deceased, identified as Hasan Mehedi was working for Dhaka Times and was brought to DMK Hospital in the capital city, where the doctors declared him brought dead, according to the report.
17:17 (IST) 20 Jul 2024
Bangladesh Protests Live: Ticket to serve as curfew pass, US embassy informs traveling citizens
The US Department of State Consular Affairs urged its citizens in the violence-hit country to ‘practice vigilance and reconsider their travel plans.’ In the view of an imposed curfew, it enlisted travel advisory for those travelling via Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka in a post on X.
According to the post, passengers must present a ticket or e-ticket (printed or digital copy) which will act as a curfew pass.
17:15 (IST) 20 Jul 2024
Bangladesh Protests Live: US embassy cancels consular services until further notice
The US Department of State Consular Affairs in a social media update on X announced that the US Embassy in Dhaka continues to offer only limited services at this time. In a wake of the curfew, apart from emergency consular services, other services are cancelled until further notice.
“Mission personnel have been advised to shelter in place until further notice,” it read.
14:13 (IST) 20 Jul 2024
Bangladesh Protests Live: Over 970 Indian students evacuated from Bangladesh
As of now, around 978 Indian students have been evacuated from violence-hit Bangladesh. The External Affairs Ministry has been expressing confidence in bringing back Indians from the neighbouring country. There were around 15,000 Indians, including 8,500 students in Bangladesh, according to Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal.
13:54 (IST) 20 Jul 2024
Bangladesh Protests Live: Want my country to live in peace, says Bangladeshi student in Kolkata
While Bangladeshi students in India worry over the situation back home, one among them Rusell Robin urged his Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to take steps to end violence and bloodshed. “If she takes right measures then this situation will end. I want my country to live in peace,” said the final year student of vocal music at RBU.
13:15 (IST) 20 Jul 2024
Bangladesh Protests Live: Don’t want to see anymore bloodshed, says Bangladeshi student in West Bengal
The chaotic situation in Bangladesh has left those studying in West Bengal worried about their kin back home. Amrita Sarkar, a Bangladeshi student at Visva-Bharati University in West Bengal told The Indian Express that she is praying for the safety of her fellow countrymen and students who have hit the streets to protest against the quota system. “I am very worried over the situation unfolding in my country. I don’t want to see anymore bloodshed in a students protest. They are my brothers. The genocide must stop,” said the 25-year-old who hails from Mihirpur in Bangladesh.She has been lucky to talk to her family for a few seconds through internet last night. “We are also not getting any information as television news channels are also off air. We are only getting updates from social media and internet. We don’t know whether they are real or misleading news,” said Sarkar who is studying masters at Rabindra Nrittya at VBU since 2020 and returned to the campus in Santiniketan in Birbhum district on July 8.
12:56 (IST) 20 Jul 2024
Bangladesh Protests Live: Worried about my parents, says Bangladeshi student in India
Amid the chaotic situation in the neighbouring country, Bangladeshi students in West Bengal express concern over their kin. As the curfew is going and communication is disrupted, the students are worried about the well-being and safety of their parents.
Speaking to The Indian Express, Bangladeshi student at Visva-Bharati University (VBU), Katha Ghosh said she could not talk to her family since telecommunication services have been disrupted.
‘I just returned to the university four days back to complete my final semester. The day after the protests broke out in the country which have resulted in so many deaths. I have failed to establish a contact with my family as internet and telecommunication services have been disrupted. I am worried for my parents,’ said Ghosh who hails from Jessore in Bangladesh and studying Bengali at VBU for last five years.
Santanu Chowdhury reports
12:39 (IST) 20 Jul 2024
Bangladesh Protests Live: MoS Kirti Vardhan Singh expresses confidence in evacuating Indian students from Bangladesh
Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh exuded confidence in bringing back Indian students back from violence-hit Bangladesh. Singh reiterated Extrenal Affairs Ministry’s stance that the ongoing anti-quota protests is an internal matter of the neighbouring country and told ANI that the economic condition will improve there. In a video posted by the news agency on X, Singh said, “This is a worrying issue…Students’ issues should always be heard and we are hopeful that the Bangladesh government will resolve is matter soon…”
12:22 (IST) 20 Jul 2024
Bangladesh Protests Live: PDSF activists extend solidarity to Bangladesh students by staging protest in Kolkata | Recap
While Bangladesh students staged protests against the quota system, activists of Progressive Democratic Students Federation in West Bengal’s Kolkata extended solidarity to them with a demonstration on Friday.
12:00 (IST) 20 Jul 2024
Bangladesh Protests Live: Bangladesh soldiers patrol through empty streets amid curfew
The streets in Dhaka, Bangladesh’s capital remain deserted amid the nationwide curfew imposed in the country. Reuters reported that Bangladesh soldiers continued to patrol through the empty streets on Saturday. Shortly, the curfew will be eased for two hours so that people can get out for essentials and emergency services.
11:44 (IST) 20 Jul 2024
Bangladesh Protests Live: Curfew in Bangladesh, check restrictions here
- With nationwide curfew in place due to the anti-quota protests in Bangladesh, internet and text message services remain suspended.
- There is a ban on public gatherings.
- The curfew will ease for two hours from 12 pm today to permit public to access essentials.
- The curfew will last till 10 am on Sunday, following which the Sheikh Hasina government will assess the situation and decide the subsequent actions.
11:10 (IST) 20 Jul 2024
Bangladesh Protests Live: Very worried, says mother of student who returns from Bangladesh
As Bangladesh police cracked down on anti-quota protests in the country, kin of those studying there became nervous over their return. Semim Sultana, mother of Asif Hussain, a student at a medical college in Bangladesh told news agency ANI in a video, “…My son told me that the situation there was not good, so they are coming back…10 to 15 people booked a vehicle and entered Kolkata…From Sealdah they are coming by train…we were very worried…around 5 students from Dhubri are studying there.”
10:53 (IST) 20 Jul 2024
Bangladesh Protests Live: Journey back has been very scary, student recounts return from Bangladesh
The return back home to India turned harrowing for those who fled violence-hit Bangladesh. They were escorted by security personnel and a fleet of taxis were arranged.
Among 80 Indian students who returned was Asif Hussain and he termed the journey “stressful”. Hussain who studies at a private medical college in Manikganj said, “Our college was not affected by the violence but we heard there was trouble in the town (about 15 minutes away).”
Along with others, Hussain hired private taxis to West Bengal border which was about 170 km away. “It has been very scary…I have (still) not been able to speak to many of my friends in Dhaka,” Hussain said. The journey till the border took six hours and clearing immigration prolonged for few hours. Hussain’s journey back home continues as he heads to Assam.
With Reuters inputs
10:36 (IST) 20 Jul 2024
Bangladesh Protests Live: Oppn Bangladesh Nationalist Party supports protesters
The Bangladesh Nationalist Party, main opposition party has extended support to the agitators and promised to hold protests. On Friday, Bangladesh police fired tear gas at a few hundered BNP supporters and arrested veteran BNP leader Ruhul Kabir Rizvi. Meanwhile, police and security personnel in the country fired bullets and tear gas at agitators on Friday and banned all gathering in Dhaka.
With AP inputs
10:14 (IST) 20 Jul 2024
Bangladesh Protests Live: ‘Inefficient policy governance’, activist slams Sheikh Hasina govt
Amid the violent anti-quota protests in Bangladesh, a freedom of speech advocate slammed Sheikh Hasina government over “lack of farsightedness and inefficient policy governance”. Saad Hammadi, the freedom of speech advocate with the Canada-based Balsillie School of International Affairs was quoted as saying by AP, “What is unfolding in Bangladesh is deeply unsettling for a generation that only asked for a fair opportunity in public service recruitment.”
“That a peaceful protest against a state policy would slip into the peak of lawlessness shows the government’s lack of farsightedness and inefficient policy governance,” Hammadi said.
“The internet shutdown makes matters worse. Local news sites are inaccessible, and people in the country are left incommunicado with the rest of the world all in the pretext of conducting sweeping operations by the state that have often resulted in serious human rights violations,” Hammadi further added.
10:06 (IST) 20 Jul 2024
Bangladesh Protests Live: Why demand is high for government jobs in Bangladesh ?
While job opportunities in Bangladesh have spiked in some private sector areas, many citizens pursue government jobs owing to their stability. However, not all youngsters gain government employment as there are around only 3,000 jobs in the civil service exam. Around 400,000 graduates appear for the competitive examination in the country.
With AP inputs
09:56 (IST) 20 Jul 2024
Bangladesh Protests Live: Sheikh Hasina’s website seems hacked, news websites remain offline in Bangladesh | Report
Amid a police crackdown on the widespread agitation, the websites of major news outlets in Bangladesh including The Daily Star and Dhaka Tribune remain offline, Al Jazeera reported. The report also said many official websites in the country seemed to be hacked by a group named “THE R3SISTANC3”. Websites including those of the central bank, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s office and police are among those hacked ones. While details of the alleged hacks are not known, a message on PMO website read, “Stop Killing Students,” and then, in blood-red capital letters: “It’s not a protest anymore. It’s a war now.”
09:43 (IST) 20 Jul 2024
Bangladesh Protests Live: Indian Railways cancels trains to Bangladesh. Check dates here
Amid deteriorating law and order situation in Bangladesh, the Indian Railways cancelled the Kolkata-Dhaka Maitree Express on Saturday and Bandhan Express between Kolkata and Khulna on Sunday, an official told PTI. An Eastern Railway official said that the 13108 Kolkata-Dhaka Maitree Express will remain cancelled on Saturday.The services of 13129/13120 Kolkata-Khulna Bandhan Express will remain cancelled on Sunday “due to uncertainty in availability of rake”, he said.
With PTI inputs
09:34 (IST) 20 Jul 2024
Bangladesh Protests Live Updates: Does violence reveal cracks in Bangladesh governance and economy ?
The widespread protests pose a major challenge to Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina since she won a fourth consecutive term in office after national polls in January this year. The violence sheds light on the cracks in Bangladesh’s governance and economy and angst of youngsters who face a lack of good jobs.
While protesters demand a merit-based system for government jobs, Hasina has defended the quota system saying that veterans deserve the highest respect for their contributions to the war regardless of their political affiliation.
Even though Hasina is credited for bringing stable growth to the neighbouring country, the rising inflation, also due to the war in Ukraine, has led to labour unrest and dissatisfaction with the government.
With AP inputs
09:17 (IST) 20 Jul 2024
Bangladesh Protests Live Updates: 360 more Indians, Nepalese enter Meghalaya from Bangladesh, says official
In Meghalaya, over 360 more citizens of India, Nepal and Bhutan have crossed over to the country fleeing the violence-hit Bangladesh. An official told news agency PTI that the total number of people taking refuge in the state has mounted to over 670.
As many as 363 people reached Meghalaya through the Dawki Integrated Check Post on Friday. Of them, 204 are Indians, 158 are Nepalese and one person is from Bhutan, a senior home department official told PTI.
Here’s the helpline number Meghalaya government has activated for those returning from Bangladesh: 1800-345-3644
09:01 (IST) 20 Jul 2024
Bangladesh Protests Live Updates: BSF personnel at West Bengal border carry out security checks
The Border Security Forces deployed along West Bengal borders are on vigil as Indian students have started returning home via land route. A video posted by news agency ANI shows BSF personnel carrying out security checks at Indian immigration check post in Fulbari, Jalpaiguri. Over 400 Indian students have returned to the country so far.
08:48 (IST) 20 Jul 2024
Bangladesh Protests Live Updates: Indian students return via Agartala. Watch video
Amid unrest in Bangladesh over quota system in goverment jobs, Indian students returned home on Friday by land route through Agartala city in Tripura. A video posted by news agency PTI on X shows a defence personnel checking the identity proofs of the incoming students.
Watch video:
08:43 (IST) 20 Jul 2024
Bangladesh Protests Live Updates: Death toll climbs to 105 | Report
As Bangladesh police cracked down on student-led agitation against government job quotas, as many as 105 people have been killed in the country since the protests began, AFP said citing hospitals. Earlier on Friday, telecommunications were disrupted and television news channels went off air. There were disruptions on mobile phone services while internet suspension continued.
With Reuters input
08:35 (IST) 20 Jul 2024
Bangladesh Protests Live Updates: Around 15,000 Indians reside in Bangladesh, all safe, says MEA official
Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said there were around 15,000 Indians, including 8,500 students, currently residing in Bangladesh and they were all safe. Jaiswal also termed the violent protests an “internal” matter of the country. Till 8 pm on Friday, 245 Indians, including 125 students, returned to India, sources said, adding the Indian High Commission also facilitated the return of 13 Nepali students.
08:25 (IST) 20 Jul 2024
Bangladesh Protests Live Updates: 405 Indian students evacuated from Bangladesh, says Meghalaya CM Conrad Sangma
As chaos continue in Bangladesh, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma told media on Saturday that 405 Indian students have been evacuated so far. Sangma also said out of 405, 80 are from Meghalaya and he is in constant touch with the Indian embassy. In a video posted by news agency ANI on X, Sangma is heard saying, ” We are aware that the situation is a localised issue…it is very unfortunate…as soon as we got this information, we immediately moved into action. Close to 405 students from India have been evacuated from Bangladesh…out of them, 80 are from Meghalaya…we are in touch with the Indian Embassy…”
08:17 (IST) 20 Jul 2024
Hello and welcome to Bangladesh protests live blog! As anti-quota protests continue in Bangladesh, over 400 Indian students have been evacuated from the country. This week, the protests turned violent with death toll mounting to 105. A nationwide curfew has been imposed by Sheikh Hasina government, internet has been suspended. Stay tuned here for more updates.
