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Singaporeans advised to postpone all non-essential travel to Bangladesh

Singaporeans advised to postpone all non-essential travel to Bangladesh

SINGAPORE: As the situation in Bangladesh remains “volatile”, Singaporeans are advised to postpone all non-essential travel to the country, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) said on Saturday (July 20).

The Bangladesh government imposed a nationwide curfew on Saturday in response to rising violence and protests.

Internet services, mobile data networks and public transport have also been disrupted, the ministry said.

The curfew is intended to put an end to the deadly student protests against the government’s quota policy, which have already killed at least 110 people this week.

In addition to the dead, thousands have been injured in the clashes, according to data from hospitals across Bangladesh. Dhaka Medical College Hospital received 27 bodies between 5pm and 7pm on Friday.

With internet and text messaging services shut down, the South Asian country is cut off from the rest of the world. Police have cracked down on protests that have continued despite a ban on public gatherings.

For five days, police in Bangladesh fired tear gas and threw sound grenades to disperse protesters, while demonstrators clashed with security personnel, hurling rocks and setting vehicles on fire.

The protests – the largest since Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was re-elected for a fourth straight term this year – have also been fuelled by high unemployment among young people, who make up nearly a fifth of the South Asian nation’s 170 million people.

As the death toll mounted and police and other security forces failed to contain the protests, Hasina’s government imposed a nationwide curfew and deployed the military.

The unrest across the country was sparked by student anger over controversial quotas for government jobs, including 30 percent for the families of those who campaigned for Pakistan’s independence.

“Singaporeans in Bangladesh are advised to remain vigilant, minimise travel outside their homes, monitor local news closely and follow instructions from local authorities,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.

They are also strongly encouraged to eRegister with MFA if they have not already done so.

Singaporeans in Bangladesh requiring consular assistance should contact the High Commission of the Republic of Singapore in Bangladesh through the 24-hour mobile number at +880-181-955-7146 or via the landline number +880-2-222-280-404.

You can contact the MFA 24-hour office at +65 6379 8800/6379 8855.