Wisma Putra is exploring options to help Malaysian students in Dhaka return to Malaysia due to the ongoing student protests in Bangladesh over the quota system for government jobs.

According to Reuters, thousands of students clashed with armed police in Dhaka on Thursday. In an effort to control the anti-quota protests, which have resulted in at least 16 deaths this week, Bangladeshi authorities have also cut some mobile internet services.

Protesters are urging the government to cease reserving 30% of state jobs for families of those who participated in the 1971 war of independence from Pakistan.

Despite the challenges posed by widespread telecommunications disruptions, the foreign ministry stated that the Malaysian High Commission in Dhaka is actively coordinating with local authorities to ensure the safety and well-being of all Malaysians in the country.

In light of the protests, Malaysian students in Dhaka were instructed to gather at the high commission for safety and further instructions.

“These students, enrolled in local educational institutions in Dhaka, were impacted by the unrest,” the statement said.

Officials from the high commission initially engaged with these students to assess their needs and provide immediate assistance.

The high commission is considering all possible solutions, including arranging travel back to Malaysia and offering temporary shelters.

The ministry advised all Malaysians in Bangladesh to avoid protest areas, stay vigilant, and adhere to safety advice and updates from local authorities.