The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has urged all Maldivians travelling and residing in Bangladesh to remain cautious, following the political unrest in the country. The protests seeking justice against discrimination saw the deaths of 150 individuals. The protests were organised by students from the Students Against Discrimination. Majority of those partaking in the protests include students seeking higher education in colleges and universities.
The protests were halted following the decision taken by the Supreme Court of Bangladesh to review the quota system and policies implemented by the government during recruiting employees. However, the protests erupted again, seeking justice for the students who were killed in the retaliatory actions of the Bangladesh Police, who were deployed to control the violent protests. Several protests have also been taking place in various parts of the country, including the capital Dhaka.
The foreign ministry revealed that the High Commission of the Maldives to Bangladesh is closely monitoring the safety and security of the students currently in the country. As such, the high commission has been checking up on the students daily, via phone calls. The high commission disclosed that all 99 Maldivians in Bangladesh are safe.
Additionally, the ministry advised all Maldivian individuals residing or travelling to Bangladesh, to follow the orders of the Bangladeshi administration and refrain from going outdoors during this period. The ministry also requested them to follow the measures and advises given by the High Commission of the Maldives to Bangladesh.