Over 300 Indians, Nepalese, and Bhutanese, primarily students, have crossed into Meghalaya from Bangladesh amidst escalating violence, officials reported on Thursday.
The Assam government is coordinating with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to ensure the safety of its citizens in Bangladesh, which has been gripped by violent protests over demands for government job quota reforms.
The death toll from the protests reached 18 on Thursday, with 11 more fatalities reported in Dhaka and other areas.
"By this evening, 310 Indians, Nepalese, and Bhutanese, stranded due to the ongoing violence in Bangladesh, have crossed into India through the Dawki Integrated Check Post," a senior home department official informed.
Of these 310 individuals, 202 are Indians, 101 are Nepalese, and seven are Bhutanese. Most of them are students.
The Meghalaya government has been in continuous contact with the Bangladesh High Commission and the Land Port Authority to facilitate the safe return of Indians.
To assist people from Meghalaya in distress in Bangladesh, a helpline number, 1800 345 3644, has been established.
Similarly, the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) in Assam has provided a helpline number, +880-1937400591, for those seeking to return to Assam from Bangladesh.
“The state government is in constant touch with the Ministry of External Affairs to coordinate plans to help citizens return in light of the situation in Bangladesh," the CMO posted on X.
No estimate of the number of people from Assam residing or visiting Bangladesh has been shared, nor any details on whether the government has received requests for safe evacuation.
Fresh violence erupted in Bangladesh on Thursday after a brief overnight lull as thousands of students attempted to enforce a nationwide shutdown, intensifying the unrest.
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