KUALA LUMPUR – A total of 123 Malaysians from Bangladesh are expected to arrive at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminal 2 via AirAsia charter flight AK76 at 5.10pm today.
In a statement, Wisma Putra said several Malaysians have decided to remain in Bangladesh.
Among them are students in their final year of studies and those working in Bangladesh, it said.
“Those who choose to stay are strongly urged to maintain regular communication with the high commission to receive timely updates and support. The high commission is dedicated to providing assistance and ensuring their safety as the situation evolves.
“The high commission will continue to operate as normal and will monitor the situation closely, ready to respond swiftly to any developments, as well as ensure all Malaysians in Bangladesh are well-informed and supported during this period,” it added.
Yesterday, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan was reported as saying that all Malaysians residing in Bangladesh will be repatriated amid the country’s ongoing unrest.
The ministry also said the plane had departed from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, Dhaka, at 11.30am local time.
“Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, on behalf of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, along with Deputy Foreign Minister Datuk Mohamad Alamin, who will represent the foreign minister and Deputy Higher Education Minister Datuk Mustapha Sakmud, will receive them upon arrival,” it added.
There are about 192 Malaysians in Bangladesh, including 124 students.
Students in Bangladesh have been protesting since July 1 against quotas for government jobs that were reinstated by the courts.
The quotas, which reserve 56% of public jobs for specific groups, were previously abolished in 2018.
The protests resulted in a nationwide curfew and military deployment in Dhaka and other areas.
There have been clashes between protesters and police, and the government has largely cut off internet, telephone, and SMS services. Over 160 people have died since the violence began last Tuesday. – July 23, 2024