Guwahati, 21st July: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has voiced urgent concerns over border security and the safety of students amid escalating violence in Bangladesh. In a series of announcements on microblogging site X, Sarma detailed the state’s efforts to manage the situation.
Early on July 18, five Bangladeshi nationals were detected attempting to cross into Assam at 3 AM. Thanks to the prompt response of Assam police, the individuals were pushed back without incident, ensuring the border’s security.
In a related development, on July 20, Sarma sought the Central Government’s assistance in evacuating Assamese students stranded in Bangladesh due to the ongoing violence. Over the past 48 hours, more than 400 students and tourists from India, Bhutan, and Nepal were successfully evacuated through Dawki, on the Meghalaya-Bangladesh border, according to officials in Shillong.
Sarma also communicated with Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita, who assured that the Centre is working diligently to evacuate Assam’s medical students in Bangladesh. “The situation is being addressed with utmost urgency,” Sarma informed reporters.
Ruhul Amin, the Bangladesh Assistant High Commissioner in Guwahati, confirmed the Assam government’s plea for assistance. However, efforts have been hampered by internet and phone service blackouts in Bangladesh. The unrest, which began in June over student protests against job reservations for families of 1971 liberation war veterans, intensified this week with violent clashes at Dhaka University, resulting in over 100 injuries.
The Assam government continues to monitor the situation closely, prioritizing the safety and security of its citizens amid the turmoil in Bangladesh.
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