ISLAMABAD: Amid violent protests in Bangladesh, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Wednesday instructed Pakistan’s envoy to ensure the safety of the country’s students and work closely with local authorities for their protection.

Mr Dar, who also holds the portfolio of deputy prime minister, conta­c­t­­ed Pakistan’s High Com­mis­sioner to Bang­la­desh Syed Maroof to inquire after the Pakistani students in that country, particularly Dhaka.

During a briefing, Mr Dar advised the envoy to stay in touch with local authorities to ensure the safety of Pakistani students.

The envoy stated that a helpline had been activated to aid individuals in distress.

Meanwhile, the Pakis­tan High Commission advised students in Dhaka to prioritise their safety and refrain from protests, suggesting they remain within their campus hostels.

Envoy briefs deputy PM about situation, says a helpline has been activated

Bangladesh ordered schools across the country to close indefinitely after several students were killed as protests over quota for coveted government jobs turned into deadly clashes, prompting the mobilisation of paramilitaries to maintain order.

The protests are the first significant challenge to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government since she secured a fourth consecutive term in Jan­uary in an election boycotted by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party.

Experts attribute the unrest to stagnant job growth in the private sector, making government jobs, which offer regular wage hikes and other privileges, increasingly desirable.

Currently, 56 per cent of government jobs in Bangladesh are reserved under various quotas, including 10pc for women, 10pc for people from underdeveloped districts, 5pc for indigenous communities and 1pc for people with disabilities.

Published in Dawn, July 19th, 2024