Over 400 Students from India, Nepal, Bhutan Evacuated from Bangladesh, Says Meghalaya CM

New Delhi: So far, 405 students from India, Nepal, and Bhutan along with some stranded tourists have been evacuated from Bangladesh into India, said Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma said on Friday.

These persons entered India through the Dawki Land Port along Meghalaya’s border with Bangladesh.

Sangma said that students from different countries studying in Bangladesh are in a fix as violence has escalated there.

Many Indian students choose Bangladesh for higher studies because of affordability and other reasons.

The Meghalaya government has also activated a helpline — 1800-345-3644 — for the citizens from the state who may require assistance due to the ongoing unrest in Bangladesh.

The state government has also deputed the Additional Superintendent of Police of West Jaintia Hills district, Hiwot Rymbai, as the nodal officer for the purpose.

The External Affairs Ministry has urged Indian nationals in Bangladesh to follow the advisory issued by the High Commission in Dhaka.

External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that around 15,000 Indian nationals, including 8,500 students, reside in Bangladesh.