In response to the escalating violence in Bangladesh, Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has directed the Pakistan High Commissioner in Dhaka, Syed Maroof, to take necessary steps to ensure the safety of Pakistani students in the country. This directive comes in the wake of deadly clashes stemming from protests over government job quotas, which have resulted in the closure of schools nationwide.
The unrest in Bangladesh, triggered by discontent over quotas for coveted government jobs, has led to a significant loss of life and prompted the deployment of paramilitary forces to maintain order. These demonstrations mark a substantial challenge to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s fourth consecutive term in office, following a controversial election earlier this year that saw the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) boycott the polls.
The root cause of the turmoil, experts say, stems from a lack of job opportunities in the private sector, elevating the appeal of government jobs with their regular wage increases and privileges. Currently, over half of the government positions in Bangladesh are set aside under various quotas, including allocations for women, individuals from underdeveloped districts, indigenous communities, and people with disabilities.
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In light of the situation, Ishaq Dar, also serving as the deputy premier, has been proactive in contacting Syed Maroof to express concern for the well-being of Pakistani students in Bangladesh, particularly in Dhaka. He has emphasized the importance of close collaboration with local authorities to ensure the safety of Pakistani students.
Providing an update on the security situation, Maroof informed the deputy premier of the measures taken by the High Commission to safeguard the welfare of Pakistanis in Bangladesh and the activation of a helpline to assist distressed individuals. Concurrently, the Pakistan High Commission has advised students in Dhaka to prioritize their safety and refrain from engaging in the protests, recommending that they remain within their campus hostels due to the ongoing unrest in the country.
