High Commission Releases Helpline Numbers for Indian Nationals in Bangladesh

Dhaka:

Amid the turmoil in Bangladesh, the Indian Embassy in Bangladesh has confirmed that it is still operating and provided emergency contact numbers for Indian citizens living there.

Sources have indicated that the diplomats and staff of the Indian Embassy are still present in Bangladesh, while non-essential personnel and their families departed on Wednesday morning.

The sources stated, “To emphasize, all the emergency hotlines of HCI Dhaka are operational. The contact numbers are provided below for your reference: 8801958383679 8801958383680 8801937400591.”

The Indian Embassy in Bangladesh remains operational despite the country experiencing a volatile political climate, with Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina submitting her resignation amidst escalating protests on August 5. The protests, primarily led by students calling for an end to the quota system for government positions, have transformed into anti-government demonstrations.

During the political unrest in Bangladesh, an Air India flight from Dhaka carrying 199 passengers and six infants landed in Delhi early this morning. Air India arranged a special charter flight on short notice despite challenges at Dhaka Airport late last night and successfully landed in Delhi this morning, according to sources.

Foreign Minister S Jaishankar mentioned on Tuesday that there are approximately 19,000 Indian nationals in Bangladesh, with around 9,000 being students. He assured that the government is maintaining close communication with the Indian community in Dhaka.

Mr Jaishankar informed the Lok Sabha that a significant number of students returned to India in July.

“We are in constant contact with the Indian community in Bangladesh through our diplomatic missions. There are around 19,000 Indian nationals there, with about 9,000 being students. Most of the students returned in July,” he stated.

The Foreign Minister also addressed the government’s monitoring of the situation concerning minority groups in Bangladesh. He emphasized the strong ties between India and Bangladesh.

He highlighted that India’s diplomatic presence in Bangladesh includes the Assistant High Commissions in Chittagong, Rajshahi, Khulna, and Sylhet, in addition to the High Commission in Dhaka.

Sheikh Hasina arrived in India on Monday evening after resigning. It is unclear whether she will remain in Delhi or relocate to a different location later.

On Tuesday, Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin announced the dissolution of the parliament to pave the way for an interim administration, as reported by Dhaka Tribune.

Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus has been appointed as the head of Bangladesh’s interim government, as reported by Dhaka Tribune. The announcement was made by Bangladesh President’s Press Secretary, Joynal Abedin.