New Delhi: Nearly 260 people, including 13 Nepalese nationals, crossed over to India from Bangladesh by a border crossing on Friday, taking the total number of people who have traveled across the land border amid violent protests in the neighboring country to more than 500. A total of 245 Indian nationals, including 125 students, and 13 Nepalese students crossed over from Bangladesh at the Gede immigration check post in West Bengal till 8 pm on Friday, according to sources.
The Indian high commission in Dhaka arranged the travel for the Nepalese students via Gede. Additionally, 202 Indian nationals, mostly students, crossed over via the Dawki check post in Meghalaya on Thursday, along with 101 Nepalese citizens and seven Bhutanese nationals.
The travel of these students was facilitated by the Indian high commission in Dhaka, which is coordinating with authorities in Bangladesh to ensure adequate security for students returning to India. The high commission is also working with the Border Security Force (BSF) and the Bureau of Immigration to assist these individuals. The border crossings at Gede-Darshana, Benapole-Petrapole, and Akhaura-Agartala remain open for Indian nationals leaving Bangladesh.
The protests in Bangladesh have resulted in more than 30 deaths and hundreds of injuries, with clashes occurring between protesters and police, as well as pro-government student groups. The Indian high commission and its assistant high commissions in Chittagong, Khulna, Rajshahi, and Sylhet are providing assistance to Indian nationals.
The external affairs ministry stated that an estimated 15,000 Indians, including 8,500 students, are in Bangladesh. An advisory has been issued urging them to avoid travel and stay indoors for safety.
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