Govt cautions Maldivians residing in, traveling to Bangladesh

The Maldives government has issued a travel advisory on Bangladesh, cautioning Maldivian citizens residing in, or traveling to the country amid ongoing civil unrest.

After the Bangladesh Supreme Court reinstated a quota system for government jobs, overtuning a 2018 decision by the country's Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's government to scrap it.

Following the Bangladesh top court's decision, demonstrations started across the country last month which has since transformed into a nationwide unrest in which at least 114 people have been killed already.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in its statement on Sunday, said the government was keeping a close watch on Maldivian citizens either residing in, or traveling to the country amid the protests.

The Maldives High Commission in Bangladesh has, so far, provided assistance to over 90 Maldivians registered with the commission, including students, families and others currently in the South Asian country.

The commission further confirms all Maldivian citizens in Bangladesh are currently in stable conditions.

Two Maldivian students attending to medical schools in north Bangladesh, have informed their decision to fly back home after the schools were recently shut.

Bangladesh and Indian High Commissions extended help to the students to cross Bangladesh border via land.

The ministry also advised Maldivian citizens in Bangladesh to respect curfew regulations the country had imposed, and had recently extended 'indefinitely'. The ministry urged locals to follow the instructions of the Maldives High Commission as well.

Foreign Ministry further implored to contact the High Commission to seek assistance, if and when required.