Bangladesh quota protest: 778 Indian students return home, authorities stay in touch with 4,000 others still remaining in neighbouring nation .

The Indian government on Saturday said 778 students have returned home amid ongoing violent protests in Bangladesh over a quota system for government jobs.

In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs said: "Thus far, 778 Indian students have returned to India through various land ports. In addition, around 200 students have returned home by regular flight services through Dhaka and Chittagong airports."

The Ministry said the Indian High Commission in Dhaka and  Assistant High Commissions are in regular touch with more than 4000 students remaining in various universities in Bangladesh and are providing necessary assistance to them.

"Students from Nepal and Bhutan have also been assisted with their crossing into India on request," the statement said.

The statement further said: "The High Commission and Assistant High Commissions are in regular touch with Bangladesh authorities to ensure safety and security of Indian nationals and students."

"Security escorts have also been arranged, where necessary, for their travel by road during repatriation through select land ports," the Ministry said.

The High Commission in Dhaka is also coordinating with civil aviation authorities of Bangladesh and commercial airlines to ensure uninterrupted flight services to India from Dhaka and Chittagong, which can be used by our nationals to return to home.

The High Commission of India in Dhaka and the Assistant High Commissions of India in Bangladesh remain available for any assistance required by Indian nationals through the emergency contact numbers listed below:

High Commission of India, Dhaka
+880-1937400591

Assistant High Commission of India, Chittagong
+880-1814654797 / +880-1814654799

Assistant High Commission of India, Rajshahi
+880-1788148696

Assistant High Commission of India, Sylhet
+880-1313076411
+880-1313076417

Assistant High Commission of India, Khulna
+880-1812817799

What is happening in Bangladesh?

More than 30 people have been killed in the violent protests against the quota system for government jobs in Bangladesh forcing the state to snap internet services in a bid to control the situation, media reports said.

The country's junior telecom minister said the government has ordered a complete nationwide shutdown of internet services.

A state broadcaster's building was put on blaze as relentless violence gripped the South Asian country following multiple clashes between the protesters, security officials and pro-government protesters.

Eyewitnesses told Prothom Alo that more than a hundred people entered BTV headquarters by breaking the main gate.