Recently, several students from India, Bhutan and Nepal have been reported to have been evacuated from Bangladesh, where protests against government employment reservation policy are ongoing. Out of 1,200 students who have entered India over the last three days, most of them have done so through the Indo-Bangla border in West Bengal. This comprised 1,045 students from India, 152 students from Nepal and Four students from the kingdom of Bhutan. Furthermore, seven Bangladeshi students also took their steps into the Indian territory during this period.
As a matter of fact, the Border Security Force (BSF) has been actively involved in the evacuation of and has been greatly helpful. Responding to this, a senior officer at the South Bengal Frontier of the BSF said that students are freely moving through ICPs and LCS in the state of West Bengal. Specific counters have also been set up at the stated ICP in Petrapole and LCS in Gede, Ghojadanga and Mahadipur to ensure safe deportation for the students. The immigration desk is fully manned at Petrapole and will be providing service at any time of day.
Indian Students Evacuate Amidst Conflicts
The crisis persists in Bangladesh, which continues to show the death toll of at least 110 people and hundreds injured because of the riots. The entire country is on lockdown, and the military is on the streets dealing with violent protests. However, the aspect of human rights protection is evident as the South Bengal Frontier of the BSF has been cooperating elaborately with the Border Guard Bangladesh for the safe evacuation of the students, including at night.
The schools have also provided medical assistance desks to attend to any health complications that the students may be having when returning to school. This approach is all-encompassing and seeks to offer required assistance besides guaranteeing the students’ welfare while dealing with the adverse outcomes of the protests that are currently going on.
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