The recent violence in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, which resulted in the deaths of four Pakistani students, has left over twelve Bangladeshi students in public and private medical schools still grappling with fear and uncertainty. While some foreign students have noted that the situation is slowly stabilizing, the threat to the safety of students, especially those in private institutions, remains.

The trouble began with a clash between local residents and several Egyptian medical students, which escalated into broader violence against foreign students, culminating in the tragic deaths of the Pakistani students last Monday. The local administration's initial silence led to increased tensions and further attacks on foreign students on Friday evening, notably within various medical college campuses.

In response to these events, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh has been closely monitoring the situation. Despite the lack of a Bangladeshi embassy in Kyrgyzstan, the Embassy of Bangladesh in Uzbekistan has been handling affairs and maintaining constant communication with Bangladeshi students in the country. Mohammad Monirul Islam, Bangladesh’s Ambassador to Uzbekistan, reported that while the situation is currently under control according to Kyrgyz authorities, the threat of renewed violence persists. He confirmed that no Bangladeshi students have been reported injured or killed.

More than 900 Bangladeshi students in private medical schools, in particular, face significant risks, with many under house arrest and struggling with food shortages. In contrast, those in government institutions are relatively safer. Bangladeshi students have been advised to stay indoors, and the presence of about 2-3 thousand police officers in the area has been ramped up to provide security. Nevertheless, students have expressed fears and frustrations, citing difficulties in reaching embassy officials for assistance.

Amid ongoing concerns, many Bangladeshi students are contemplating an early return home. Plans for a chartered flight are being considered, with students intending to leave Kyrgyzstan before their semester finals in June, which they plan to take online after returning to Bangladesh.

The violence has had a significant impact on the international student community in Bishkek. The governments of Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan have all issued advisories for their students to remain vigilant and avoid going outside. Pakistan has already repatriated 140 students via a special flight to Lahore, demonstrating the urgency and gravity of the situation.

The recent conflict in Kyrgyzstan has left many Bangladeshi students in a state of fear and uncertainty, with safety measures in place but concerns about future violence lingering. The situation continues to be closely monitored by the Bangladeshi embassy in Uzbekistan and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. As the international community watches closely, the priority remains ensuring the safety and well-being of all foreign students in the region.

 

 

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