KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysian students in Bangladesh have been relocated to Malaysia’s high commission building for safety, said Wisma Putra.
In a statement, the Foreign Ministry also said it was closely monitoring the latest developments in the capital Dhaka and was considering all available options, including evacuation, if necessary.
“The safety of Malaysians abroad is our priority, and we understand the concerns of Malaysians regarding the safety of their family members in Bangladesh.
“We (the ministry) are collaborating with the Higher Education Ministry and other relevant agencies to assist Malaysian students in Bangladesh.
“Wisma Putra and the High Commission in Dhaka request all Malaysian students to remain in contact and cooperate with the High Commission,” it said.
Meanwhile, Wisma Putra also cautioned Malaysians to be careful of individuals promising assistance in evacuating Malaysians from Bangladesh.
“Verification should be done by contacting the Operation Room,” the ministry said.
The Foreign Ministry said the high commission in Dhaka had also activated the operation room.
“Immediate family members of Malaysian students in Bangladesh may reach the Operation Room at +603-8887-4570 or [email protected],” it added.
It also urged Malaysians in Bangladesh to avoid protest areas, remain vigilant and adhere to the instructions of local authorities, including any curfew that may be in place.
“We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as necessary.”
Meanwhile, a Foreign Ministry representative, who declined to be named, told Scoop that the ministry was trying its best to maintain communication with the high commission in Dhaka, given the latest developments in the country’s protests.
“We are aware of the situation and are doing our best to help the students, especially in maintaining communication given that the internet connection there is not stable at times.
“Proper planning is urgently needed so that we can ensure everyone is safe or brought to safety, especially with the current curfew,” said the representative.
Scoop has also reached out to the Higher Education Ministry to get the exact number of Malaysian students in Dhaka.
“The Ministry is aware of the current developments and may issue a statement on this matter soon,” said a ministry representative.
Students at universities in Bangladesh have been demonstrating since July 1 against recent court-reinstated quotas for government jobs. The quota was abolished in 2018.
According to Anadolu Agency, protesters are demanding changes to the system, which reserves 56% of public jobs for certain groups.
Following this protest, Bangladesh’s government imposed a nationwide curfew and deployed the military in Dhaka and other districts, following clashes between demonstrators and police during student protests.
The government was also reported to have largely cut off internet, telephone and SMS connections.
More than 100 people have been reported dead in the protests since violence broke out on Tuesday. – July 21, 2024