123 Malaysians evacuated from Bangladesh arrive home safely

Student protests against government job quotas in Bangladesh led to violence, prompting the evacuation of Malaysians.

A chartered flight carrying 123 Malaysians evacuated from deadly violence in Bangladesh arrived in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday, Malaysia's home minister said.

Student-led protests against quotas in government jobs in Bangladesh spiralled into violence last week, with at least 147 people killed.

Bangladesh's top court subsequently agreed to scrap most quotas following clashes between protesters and security forces that prompted the government to shut down internet services, impose a curfew and deploy the army.

The flight, which included 80 students among the passengers, arrived safely at Kuala Lumpur International Airport, Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail told a press conference.

"We are grateful for the safe return of our Malaysian citizens," he said.

Some Malaysians chose to remain in Bangladesh as they were either students in their final year of studies or working there, Saifuddin said, without providing further details.

Cassandra David, a Malaysian studying at Dhaka Medical College, thanked the government for its efforts.

"Our wellbeing was very much taken care of," she said at the press conference.