India Says Protests Are Bangladesh's 'Internal Matter'; MEA Issues Advisory, Helplines to Ensure Safety of Indians

India on Friday termed the protests in Bangladesh as the country’s “internal matter”. However, the Ministry of External Affairs said that it was providing all assistance to Indians in Bangladesh, that has been hit by violent student protests that led to 39 deaths and several getting injured.

The MEA said it has issued an advisory for the 8500 Indian students and 15000 Indian citizens in Bangladesh and that they were in touch with local authorities to ensure their safety. “As you are aware, there are ongoing protests in Bangladesh. We see this as an internal matter of the country. We have issued an advisory for Indian nationals, including our students, resident in Bangladesh for their safety and assistance if required. Helpline numbers operating on 24X7 basis have been given for people to reach out. EAM is himself following the matter closely,” the MEA said.

“Our High Commission will be providing regular updates. I will also be posting regular updates. I would urge family members to follow us for latest developments. We remain committed to providing all possible assistance to our nationals in Bangladesh,” the Ministry added.

At least thirty-nine have died in the protests that demand reforms in the quota rules in Bangladesh. The protesters are demanding the abolition of a quota system that reserves up to 30 per cent of government jobs for relatives of veterans who fought in Bangladesh’s 1971 war of independence.

The protests are being led by Students Against Discrimination, a coalition of student unions barring the Bangladesh Chhatra League (BSL) – the youth wing of Hasina’s Awami League.

On Thursday, riot police fired tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse crowds of protesters and several metro stations in Dhaka city were shuttered. The protesting students claim that BSL and policemen have attacked the protesters.