The UAE is calling upon its citizens to evacuate Bangladesh as soon as possible amid student protests. At the heart of the unrest that began in late June was the demand to banish a quota system that reserved up to 30% of government jobs for relatives of veterans who fought in Bangladesh’s independence war against Pakistan in 1971. The protest has led to violent processions all over the country.
On Wednesday, August 7, the UAE Embassy in Dhaka stated on X, “In light of current events unfolding in the People's Republic of Bangladesh, the UAE Embassy in Dhaka urges all its citizens in the country to return to the UAE as soon as possible. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs warns UAE nationals against visiting areas witnessing riots and protests, and to avoid crowded areas.” The agency also shared a helpline number to maintain contact with its citizens.
“The Ministry advises UAE citizens in Bangladesh on the importance of remaining in contact on the following number: 0097180044444. The Ministry calls on UAE nationals to register on the ‘Twajudi’ service which provides consular services for its citizens,” the statement added. In light of current events unfolding in the People's Republic of Bangladesh, the UAE Embassy in Dhaka urges all its citizens in the country to return to the UAE as soon as possible.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs warns UAE nationals against visiting areas witnessing riots and...
— UAE Embassy DHAKA (@UAEEmbassyDhaka) August 6, 2024 The protest, which was peaceful initially, escalated after students at Dhaka University, the country’s largest began clashing with the police and setting places ablaze. Protesters argued about the discriminatory quota system and how it benefitted the supporters of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, whose party had a 15-year power grip in the country. Protestors want the quota system to be replaced by a merit-based system.
A post shared by Lovin Dubai | لوڤن دبي (@lovindubai) In the wake of the unrest, PM Hasina resigned from her position and fled to India. The politician escaped the country only minutes before thousands of people stormed her official residence and ransacked it. Meanwhile, student leaders want Muhammad Yunus, a long-time critic of the former PM and a Nobel Peace Prize winner to be named chief adviser of a new interim government.
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