The violence in Bangladesh has led to a communications blackout, with both parties involved blaming each other for the unrest. This has caused significant concern for families of Malaysian students studying in the country. Mahmudin Abas, a father of a 26-year-old medical student, last heard from his daughter before the internet was cut off. She had initially planned to fly back to Malaysia but was forced to stay due to the dangerous situation. Concerned about her safety and lack of food supplies, Mahmudin and other parents of Malaysian students sought help from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
After visiting the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mahmudin was relieved to receive confirmation that his daughter had boarded an evacuation flight. Meanwhile, another parent, Dr Fadli Hamid, took action upon hearing reports of rising food prices and student deaths in the protests. He was determined to ensure the safety of Malaysian students studying in Bangladesh. However, despite the efforts made by parents, there were accusations that the government did not act fast enough to evacuate the students.
In response to the criticism, Foreign Minister Saifuddin defended the government’s actions by highlighting that 123 Malaysians were brought back safely on a special evacuation flight. He emphasized that the evacuation operation was carried out smoothly and the priority was the safe return of the students. The unrest in Bangladesh has posed a challenge for foreign students studying in the country, with concerns about their safety and well-being. The parents of these students have been proactive in seeking assistance and ensuring the return of their children to Malaysia.
The situation in Bangladesh remains volatile, with ongoing clashes and violence leading to an unprecedented communications blackout. The safety of foreign students, particularly Malaysians, studying in the country has become a significant concern. Parents of these students have taken matters into their own hands, seeking help from authorities to ensure the safe return of their children. Despite challenges and criticism, the government has taken steps to evacuate Malaysian students from Bangladesh, with a focus on ensuring their safety and well-being.
The experiences of parents like Mahmudin Abas and Dr Fadli Hamid highlight the challenges faced by families of Malaysian students studying in Bangladesh during times of unrest. The uncertainty and fear caused by the violence have prompted parents to take decisive action and seek assistance from the government. The successful evacuation of students back to Malaysia has provided some relief, but concerns about the ongoing situation in Bangladesh remain. Moving forward, ensuring the safety and well-being of foreign students in potentially volatile regions will continue to be a priority for governments and educational institutions.
