New Delhi: The unrest in Bangladesh has posed significant challenges for foreign nationals residing in the country. In response to the escalating situation in Bangladesh, the Indian High Commission has taken swift and comprehensive measures to ensure the safety and secure passage of Indian nationals, including project personnel, stranded in the neighbouring country.
Here are the steps taken by Indian Government to secure passage of Indian nationals in Bangladesh:
Facilitating safe passage to borders
In close coordination with the Bangladesh Army and local authorities, the Indian High Commission has played a crucial role in ensuring the safe passage of Indian citizens to the country’s borders. The High Commission has been actively advising Indian nationals on transport and movement issues, while also coordinating with airports and airlines to facilitate their evacuation.
Over the past two days, the Mission Control Room has attended to more than 350 calls, providing assistance and guidance to those in need.
Supporting life-threatening situations
The High Commission’s efforts have been especially vital in facilitating the movement of Indian nationals across land borders, particularly in life-threatening situations. Among those assisted were members of major Indian companies and project personnel, including those from IRCON Khulna, L&T, RITES, Tata Projects, Afcons, and Transrail Sirajganj.
The High Commission ensured their safe travel across the land border, despite the volatile conditions on the ground.
Coordination with Indian companies
In addition to providing assistance at the borders, the High Commission has also been instrumental in coordinating the transport and movement of Indian nationals to airports.
Personnel from various Indian companies, including Ashoka Build Con, RITES, Afcons, ITD Cementation (Sirajganj), KEC, and Transrail Sirajganj, as well as professionals from Sun Pharma, IOCL, and NTPC, were among those who received crucial support from the Mission.
Handling emergency certificates; continued airline operations
The Indian High Commission also managed several consular cases during the unrest, including immigration-related issues. In emergency situations, the Mission issued Emergency Certificates to Indian nationals, allowing them to travel when other documentation was not available.
By coordinating with airlines and urging them not to discontinue services, Indian High Commission played a critical role in preventing Indian nationals from being left stranded in Bangladesh.
Sheikh Hasina’s team’s evacuation
As the situation in Bangladesh gradually stabilizes, reports stated that former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who had fled to India amid the violence, is preparing to leave India. Along with her sister and other colleagues, Hasina had to escape Bangladesh in a hurry, with many of her team members arriving in India without even basic necessities.
The Indian protocol officers assigned to her team provided invaluable assistance, helping them purchase clothes and other essential items during their stay in India. Most of Hasina’s team members have now begun departing India for their next destinations.
