The deteriorating law and order situation in Bangladesh has caused concern among the parents of Pakistani students studying in Dhaka and other cities as around 140 Pakistani students have been left stranded due to the unrest and subsequent imposition of curfews in various parts of Bangladesh.
Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina extended curfew as tensions simmer ahead of court hearing on job quotas. Bangladesh has extended curfew ahead of court hearing on controversial job quotas. Soldiers have been on patrol on the streets of capital Dhaka.
Meanwhile, the death toll has climbed to one hundred and twenty three due to the violent clash between students and police.
Internet and text message services in Bangladesh have been suspended since Thursday. The students in Bangladesh are protesting against the quota system in public jobs.
Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, spokesperson for the Foreign Office, confirmed that the Pakistani High Commissioner in Dhaka has reported all Pakistani students and diplomatic staff in Bangladesh are safe. The High Commissioner is maintaining regular contact with the students.
Recent unrest in Bangladesh has led to the imposition of curfews in several cities, including Dhaka. The Bangladeshi government has also evicted local students from hostels, further exacerbating the situation for foreign students. Pakistani students, now confined to their hostels, are facing food shortages and disconnection from their families in Pakistan.
Worried parents have written a letter to the Additional Secretary of the Prime Minister, Sara Aslam, appealing for the safe and speedy return of their children. They have highlighted the urgent need for government intervention to ensure the safety and well-being of their children, who are now confined and facing severe challenges due to the curfew.
Javed Niazi, a parent of two MBBS students in Bangladesh, expressed his anxiety: “My two daughters are MBBS students in Bangladesh, and we have not had any direct contact with the children since Monday. Today, Sajid Sahib of Muzaffargarh spoke to his daughter, and she mentioned that they have nothing to eat. We request the President and Prime Minister to take notice of the situation and arrange a chartered flight to bring back the children.
Despite the tense situation, a spokesperson from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has assured that all Pakistani students in Bangladesh are safe.
Pakistani mission is in constant touch with the students, and the Deputy Head of Mission has visited Chittagong to meet with them.
The High Commission has taken steps to accommodate Pakistani students in safe locations, including the High Commission, the Ambassador’s residence, and other secure areas.
Parents continue to urge the Pakistani government to take immediate action to ensure the safe return of their children. The ongoing communication from the Foreign Office provides some reassurance, but the situation remains critical as the law and order situation in Bangladesh shows no signs of immediate improvement.
