Wisma Putra evaluating plans for Malaysian students in Dhaka to return

 

Students clash with riot police during a protest against a quota system for government jobs in Dhaka today. (AP pic)

PETALING JAYA: 

Wisma Putra is considering assisting Malaysian students in Dhaka to return to Malaysia in light of the student protests in Bangladesh over a quota system for government jobs.

Reuters reported that thousands of students clashed with armed police in Dhaka on Thursday as Bangladesh authorities cut some mobile internet services to quell anti-quota protests that have killed at least 16 people this week.

Protesters are demanding the government stop setting aside 30% of state jobs for families of those who fought in the 1971 war of independence from Pakistan.

In a statement, the foreign ministry said that despite challenges, such as widespread telecommunications disruptions, the Malaysian high commission in Dhaka is actively coordinating with local authorities to ensure the safety and well-being of all Malaysians in the country. 

Following the onset of protests, Malaysian students in Dhaka were instructed to gather at the high commission for safety and further directives,

 it said.

“These students were those from local educational institutions in Dhaka who were affected by the unrest.

“Officials from the high commission had early engagements with these students to assess their needs and provide immediate assistance.

In response to the evolving situation, the high commission is exploring (all) possible solutions, including assisting travel arrangements to return to Malaysia and temporary shelters.

The ministry urged all Malaysians residing in Bangladesh to stay away from protest areas, remain vigilant, and follow all safety advice and updates provided by local authorities.

Malaysians requiring consular assistance may contact the Malaysian high commission in Dhaka at House No 19, Road No 6, Baridhara Diplomatic Enclave, Dhaka, 1212 Bangladesh.

The embassy can be contacted by telephone at +880241081892 / 1895 or +88 018 4179 8077 (for emergencies only) and by email at mwdhaka@kln.gov.my.

Reuters reported that the protest, which is the biggest since Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was re-elected for a fourth time, is fuelled by high unemployment among the youths – with nearly a fifth of the 170 million population out of work or education.

Ten people died in clashes with police on Thursday in Dhaka – the highest toll in a single day so far – including a bus driver whose body was brought to a hospital with a bullet wound in his chest, officials told Reuters.

Hundreds more were injured as police fired tear gas and rubber bullets to break up protesters who torched vehicles, police posts and other establishments, witnesses said. - FMT