Pakistani students advised to stay indoors amid Bangladesh protests

Dhaka: Pakistan's High Commission in Dhaka has advised Pakistani students to take all possible precautions for their safety and stay indoors due to ongoing protests in Bangladesh. Students are urged to avoid participating in protests.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar spoke with Pakistani High Commissioner in Bangladesh, Ambassador Syed Maroof, directing him to ensure the safety of Pakistanis, especially students in Dhaka. The ambassador was instructed to stay in contact with local authorities for this purpose.

The High Commission has opened a helpline for Pakistani nationals. The ambassador updated the Deputy PM on measures taken to protect Pakistanis in Bangladesh.

The protests in Bangladesh have been triggered by public sector job quotas, including a 30 percent reservation for families of 1971 War freedom fighters, leading to widespread student anger over high youth unemployment. The government has announced an indefinite shutdown of all universities starting Wednesday, resulting in at least six deaths and numerous injuries.

These protests are the first major challenge for Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina since her fourth consecutive term began in January, following an election boycotted by the main opposition.