Malaysia to repatriate students in Bangladesh amid ‘worrying’ protests, says Anwar

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia will evacuate all of its students amid the ‘worrying’ heightened protests in Bangladesh, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

The Prime Minister said the safety of Malaysian students remains a high priority for the government following the latest developments of the student protests in Bangladesh.

“In the initial few days, the situation seems to be under control but at the moment, based on the information from our embassy, it seems more appropriate for them to return home,” Anwar told reporters at the sidelines of the National Tax Conference 2024 at Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre on Monday (July 22).

The Prime Minister was asked about the government’s plan to evacuate stranded Malaysian students in Bangladesh.

It was reported earlier that thousands of Bangladeshi students held demonstrations after the courts ruled to reimpose quotas on government jobs which were repealed in 2018.

Following this, the government closed all public and private universities on Saturday (July 20), at the height of the protests. More than 100 people have been killed since the riots broke out on Tuesday (July 16).

Explaining further, Anwar said that whether they are private or government-sponsored students, all of them will be assisted necessarily.

“Wisma Putra will hold a meeting on whether there is a need to charter flights to bring them back home,” added Anwar.

On Sunday (July 21), the Foreign Affairs Ministry said Malaysian students affected by the situation in Bangladesh have been relocated to the High Commission building for their safety.

“The ministry understands the concerns of Malaysians regarding the safety of their family members in Bangladesh. “In addition to closely assessing the latest developments, the ministry and the High Commission of Malaysia in Dhaka are considering all available options, including evacuation if necessary,” it said.