Dar urges safety for Pakistani students amid Bangladesh protests

Pakistan's High Commission in Dhaka on Wednesday issued an advisory to Pakistani students in Bangladesh to take all necessary precautions for their safety due to the ongoing protests in the country.

The students have been specifically advised to stay away from any protest activities to avoid potential harm.

In response to the situation, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held a conversation with the Pakistani High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Ambassador Syed Maroof, this morning to inquire about the well-being of Pakistani nationals residing in Bangladesh.

During the discussion, the Deputy Prime Minister emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety and well-being of all Pakistanis, particularly the students living in Dhaka.

Dar instructed the High Commissioner to remain in close contact with local authorities to guarantee the security of Pakistani students.

Ambassador Maroof provided an update on the measures already taken to protect Pakistanis, including the establishment of a helpline by the High Commission for their convenience and safety.

This advisory and the steps taken by the Pakistani High Commission reflect the government’s commitment to the safety of its citizens abroad amid the current unrest in Bangladesh.

Read 6 killed as no let-up in Bangladesh protests

Earlier, Bangladesh announced on Tuesday that all educational institutions across the country would be closed indefinitely following clashes between students protesting the quota system in public service jobs and police, which killed at least six people and injured dozens more.

The decision was made in response to violent protests by students protesting a court decision to reinstate quotas for government jobs, which were abolished in 2018, who clashed with police in several cities as well as a ruling party-affiliated student group in the capital Dhaka.

The Education Ministry announced the closure of the country's high schools, higher secondary educational institutions, and polytechnic institutes until further notice after nationwide student protests against the job quota distribution system in public government sectors.

The University Grants Commission of Bangladesh, the country's university regulatory body, announced in a separate statement late Tuesday that all universities and medical colleges would be closed indefinitely.

Earlier, two people were killed during clashes in Dhaka between protesters and the pro-ruling party's student wing, the Bangladesh Students' League.

They were declared dead after being taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital, police inspector Md Bachchu Mia confirmed to the media.