Maldives again cautions citizens over Bangladesh protests

Maldivian foreign ministry on Sunday once again urged Maldivians traveling to Bangladesh and residents in the country to exercise caution during the ongoing protests.

Bangladesh is tense as both anti-government protesters and the governing Awami League are set to hold rallies across the country on Sunday.

The demonstrations are happening in the aftermath of deadly violence during protests last month over quotas in civil service jobs, in which more than 200 people were killed.

Around 10,000 people have been reportedly detained in a major crackdown by security forces in the past two weeks. Those arrested included opposition supporters and students.

Students Against Discrimination, a group behind the anti-government demonstrations, has called on prime minister Sheikh Hasina to step down.

In a statement, the Maldivian foreign ministry said the High Commission in Bangladesh is closely monitoring the situation of Maldivians currently residing in Bangladesh and who have traveled to the country. The High Commission is currently contacting 83 students in Chittagong, seven in Dhaka and one in Comilla, it added.

The High Commission has informed that 119 Indians currently in Bangladesh are in good condition, the ministry said.

According to the ministry, Bangladesh has declared a curfew at certain times. The ministry urged people not to go outside as directed by the government of Bangladesh and to follow the instructions of the government and the High Commission.