Protest in Bangladesh snowballs into anti-Hasina movement

New Delhi: The situation in Bangladesh continues to remain tense with student protests against quotas for government jobs transforming into an anti-Sheikh Hasina movement with active support from the opposition and radical forces while the government has deployed the army at key installations in capital Dhaka to prevent attacks.

As the death toll from the protests reached 39 on Friday with police clashing with protestors in many places, India said it is taking all steps to ensure the safety of Indian nationals in the neighbouring country.

“As you are aware, there are ongoing protests in Bangladesh. We have issued an advisory for Indian nationals, including our students… Helpline numbers operating on a 24X7 basis have been given for people to reach out. The external affairs minister is himself following the matter closely,” MEA spokesperson Randheer Jaiswal stated. Around 15,000 Indians including 8,500 students are currently based in Bangladesh.

ET has learnt that what started as an anti-quota movement has taken the shape of a movement against prime minister Hasina, shaped by a slew of factors including political demands, the economic situation, and high inflation. Sources also blamed high-handedness of the student wing of the ruling party for exacerbating the situation.

India is closely monitoring the emerging political situation in Bangladesh with which it shares over 4,000 km land boundary. Jaiswal said the Indian High Commission in Dhaka will be providing regular updates on the situation. “I will also be posting regular updates. I would urge family members to follow us for the latest developments,” he said. “We remain committed to providing all possible assistance to our nationals in Bangladesh. We are aware of the measures taken by the local authorities in view of the protests. Our high commission remains in touch with local authorities for the safety of our nationals.”

Sources feared that the current movement is creating a civil war to oust Hasina – who is a steadfast partner to India in countering extremism – from power.