Gov’t Issues Advisory Amid Bangladesh Student Protests

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has advised caution for Maldivians travelling to and residing in Bangladesh due to ongoing student protests in the country.

In a statement issued on Thursday night, the Ministry urged Maldivians in Bangladesh to remain indoors as advised by the Bangladeshi government and to adhere strictly to the instructions provided by the Maldivian High Commission in Bangladesh.

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The Ministry assured that the Maldivian government is actively working to ensure the safety and security of students and other Maldivians in Bangladesh. It also instructed any Maldivians needing assistance to contact the High Commission.

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The Maldivian High Commission in Bangladesh can be reached via phone at +880 1329748885 and email at admin@maldivesbd.org.

The protests in Bangladesh began over public sector job quotas, which include a 30 percent reservation for family members of fighters from the 1971 War of Independence from Pakistan. The quotas have sparked anger among students facing high youth unemployment rates, with nearly 32 million young Bangladeshis not in work or education out of a total population of 170 million.

At least 39 people have been killed in the unrest, which on Thursday saw government buildings torched by demonstrators and a nationwide internet blackout imposed. The Bangladeshi government has ordered schools and universities to close indefinitely.