Seeks intervention of PMO, Union Home Minister
SRINAGAR: Er. Ehtisham Khan, noted social and student rights activist and Co-Founder of The Purpose (NGO), has expressed grave concern over the rapidly deteriorating law and order situation in Bangladesh and the serious risks it poses to Indian students pursuing higher education in the country.
With nearly 9,000 Indian students currently studying in Bangladesh—including approximately 4,000 students from the Kashmir Valley—Khan stated that deeply disturbing accounts have emerged from students on the ground, particularly from Dhaka.
According to information received through student networks and civil society sources, Indian students have reportedly been advised to conceal their identity purely as a measure of personal safety, he said.
“This is deeply disturbing and wholly unacceptable. Young Indians who have gone abroad solely to pursue education should never be placed in a position where hiding their identity becomes a survival strategy,” Er. Ehtisham said.
Referring to reports of the death and lynching of a student leader, Khan remarked that such incidents have further shocked and alarmed the entire student community and their families back home. “These developments underline the gravity of the situation and the very real risks our students are facing on a daily basis. The psychological distress and insecurity cannot be ignored any longer,” he added.
Er. Ehtisham Khan confirmed that he has formally written to the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s Office and the Union Home Minister, urging their immediate and personal intervention. He has also sought proactive engagement from the Ministry of External Affairs to ensure robust diplomatic and consular coordination for the safety and well-being of Indian students.
“If the situation tends to worsen further, evacuation should also be considered, if felt appropriate by the authorities. The safety and dignity of Indian students must remain non-negotiable under any circumstances,” Khan asserted.
Reposing faith in the leadership of the country, he stated, “We, as a community, firmly repose our faith in the Hon’ble Prime Minister and the Hon’ble Home Minister. We are confident that the Government of India will act decisively and responsibly to safeguard its students and resolve this issue at the earliest.”
Khan urged the authorities to treat the matter with utmost urgency, stressing that timely intervention would not only protect students abroad but also reassure thousands of anxious families across the country.