Bangladesh urges foreign missions to refrain from 'public statements' on student protests

By Faisal Mahmud

DHAKA, Bangladesh (AA) – Bangladesh Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud announced Wednesday that his ministry has formally communicated with foreign diplomats, urging them not to make "any public statement" about the country's recent student protests.

The South Asian nation experienced a surge of violent protests sparked by university students' demands for reform in the government jobs quota.

After five days of turmoil during which more than 150 people lost their lives, the country's Supreme Court ordered a reduction in the quota system from 57% to just 7%.

As the protests and violence escalated, the Bangladesh government imposed a curfew and a complete internet blackout since Friday.

Foreign Minister Mahmud earlier attributed the internet blackout to "miscreants" damaging broadband lines in multiple locations, leading to widespread misinformation.

"Several foreign missions expressed concern over the situation, likely fueled by misinformation. They were also unaware of the scale of vandalism that occurred under the guise of protests in recent days," Mahmud told the media.

He plans to arrange tours for foreign mission representatives to demonstrate the "truth" and illustrate the "extent of damage," he added.

Earlier in the day, accompanied by delegates from 49 foreign missions and 23 ambassadors in Bangladesh, Mahmud visited various government facilities in Dhaka that were damaged during last week's unrest.

"At a press conference held at the State Guest House Padma in the capital," the minister informed reporters, "foreign diplomats expressed their support, acknowledging the situation as an internal matter of Bangladesh.”

Regarding diplomats' inquiries about the casualties during the quota movement, Mahmud remarked, "There is widespread interest in this information. The Ministry of Home Affairs is currently gathering the necessary details."

He also addressed concerns about rumors circulating abroad, saying, "False narratives are being propagated against our nation in various foreign locations.”

“We have intelligence indicating that the anti-independence coalition of BNP-Jamaat (opposition parties), with support from the Pakistani diaspora, is behind these efforts,” he added.