Russian embassy urges Russians in Bangladesh to be cautious amid unrest

Russians living in major cities of Bangladesh have been asked to exercise caution and avoid places where demonstrations are traditionally held, such as university campuses, media and political party offices, in connection with the new student clashes in the country. The Russian Embassy in the country issued a warning to this effect on November 26.

"On November 24-25 in the capital's Demra and Jatrabari districts there were clashes between students of secondary and higher educational institutions, as a result of which more than 100 people were injured," - stated in the Telegram-channel of the diplomatic mission.

The embassy warned that mass meetings of workers and political protests continue in Bangladesh, and vandalism is not uncommon. In this regard, Russians in the country were advised to plan their route in advance, as well as to clarify the situation when traveling between cities or leaving their homes.

"Show increased vigilance in busy areas, do not leave personal cars unattended for a long time," they added.

The protests began in Bangladesh in late June and were held as peaceful rallies. Their participants expressed dissatisfaction with the return to the quota system for filling government jobs, which was in place from 1972 to 2018 for family members of those who fought in the 1971 war of independence from Pakistan.

The Bangladesh High Court decided to reinstate it, reserving 30 percent of the posts. On July 19, the state government cut off internet access across the country amid growing student unrest. At least 39 deaths were reported at the time. More than 300 deaths were later reported.

On August 5, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned and left the country with her sister Rehana, seeking asylum in the UK. Afterward, thousands of protesters stormed her Ganabhaban residence in Dhaka. On August 16, students who sought Hasina's resignation rejected calls by the two main political parties for quick elections and began to consider forming their own political force to carry out sweeping reforms in the country. Bangladesh is now ruled by an interim government headed by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus, assisted in part by student leaders.

On Nov. 17, Yunus said his administration will seek the extradition of ousted Prime Minister Hasina from India. Bangladesh's interim leader is also pushing for the International Criminal Court to take up Hasina's case. She faces more than 50 felony charges in her home country.