GUWAHATI: The Bangladesh government has declared a national curfew and deployed the army to address ongoing student protests that have resulted in 105 deaths, as per reports on July 20.
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Of the 8,500 Indian students in the country, 405 have been evacuated so far, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma reported, noting his ongoing communication with the Indian Embassy.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s administration has implemented a nationwide curfew and ordered military deployment to restore order.
Police and paramilitary forces have been stationed throughout the capital to secure campuses and disperse protests. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal assured that all 15,000 Indians, including 8,500 students, currently in Bangladesh are safe.
The protesters in Bangladesh are calling for the abolition of the quota system, which reserves 30% of government jobs for the descendants of veterans who fought in the 1971 war of independence against Pakistan. They argue that the system is discriminatory and primarily benefits supporters of Hasina’s Awami League Party, and are advocating for a merit-based system instead.