THE JHARKHAND STORY DESK
Dhaka, July 18: Following continued demonstrations calling for changes to the government employment quota system that descended into violence and claimed the lives of at least six people across Bangladesh, India on Thursday advised its residents living in Bangladesh to refrain from travel and limit their movement.
The government of Bangladesh ordered all schools and institutions, both public and private, to close for an indefinite period on Tuesday night in response to the violence, and it also asked residential students to vacate their dorms.
Indian High Commission issues statement, headline
“In view of the ongoing situation in Bangladesh, the Indian community members and members and the Indian students residing in Bangladesh are advised to avoid travel and minimise their movement outside their living premises,” the Indian High Commission in Dhaka said in a statement.
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In addition, the mission offered several 24-hour emergency numbers in case anyone needed help.
According to the high commission’s website, there were about 7,000 Indians in Bangladesh.
Protest over quota system
On Monday, confrontations flared up between ruling Awami League student activists and protesters advocating for changes to the quota system, which they claim disproportionately excludes highly qualified students from government service opportunities. Demonstrators accused Bangladesh Chhatra League, backed by police forces, of violently suppressing their peaceful demonstrations.
A nationwide shutdown on Thursday has been called by student demonstrators.
In Bangladesh, 56% of government jobs are reserved through the current quota system, which includes allocations of 30% for descendants of 1971 Liberation War freedom fighters, 10% for underdeveloped administrative districts, 10% for women, 5% for ethnic minorities, and 1% for people with disabilities.
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