KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian High Commission in Dhaka, Bangladesh is coordinating efforts to ensure the safety and security of Malaysians amid riots and safety concerns in the country.
In a statement, Wisma Putra said they are monitoring the situation and have directed all necessary measures taken including relocating students to the safety of the High Commission and the Official Residence, where preparations are underway to accommodate them with the necessary provisions.
The Malaysian High Commission is actively coordinating efforts amidst significant challenges, including communications disruptions due to internet outages, it said.
"It is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all Malaysian citizens in Bangladesh and is relying on SMS (short messaging service) communications to maintain connectivity.
"As communicated by the Malaysian High Commissioner to Bangladesh, a curfew has been implemented as of midnight due to unstable security conditions," it said in a statement.
It said the high commission continues to monitor the welfare of affected students.
At this time, the high commission is planning to travel to Mymensingh to provide food supplies to students who were unable to purchase them, it said.
"A student from the Bangladesh Agricultural University was successfully assisted in boarding a flight and is expected to arrive in Malaysia today," it said.
It also urged all Malaysian students in need of assistance to remain in contact and cooperate with the high commission.
"The safety and security of Malaysians abroad is our highest priority, and every action is being taken to assist our citizens.
"The Foreign Ministry will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates as necessary," it added.
It was reported that the protest, which is the biggest since Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was re-elected for a fourth time, is fuelled by high unemployment among the youth – with nearly a fifth of the 170 million population out of work or education.
Ten people died in clashes with police on Thursday in Dhaka – the highest toll in a single day so far – including a bus driver whose body was brought to a hospital with a bullet wound in his chest.