The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has advised Maldivians living in or traveling to Bangladesh to exercise caution due to the ongoing unrest in the country. 

In a press release issued on Thursday night, the Maldivian Foreign Ministry urged citizens to remain indoors as advised by the Bangladeshi authorities and to adhere to instructions from both the Bangladesh government and the Maldives High Commission in Bangladesh. 

The ministry assured that efforts are underway to ensure the safety of Maldivian students and residents in Bangladesh. 

Those in need of assistance are encouraged to contact the Maldives High Commission using the following details:

Contact numbers

- (+880) 1329748885

- (+880) 1708120318

Email address

- [email protected]

Due to the escalating situation, mobile internet and phone services have been disrupted. 

The unrest saw thousands of protesters storm the state broadcaster BTV, causing extensive damage and setting parts of the building on fire. 

The demonstrations began in response to public sector job quotas, which reserve 30 percent of positions for descendants of those who fought in the 1971 War of Independence from Pakistan. 

This system has sparked outrage among students, who face a high youth unemployment rate, with nearly 32 million young Bangladeshis out of work or education out of a total population of 170 million. 

Recent reports indicate that the death toll has risen to 39, including 32 fatalities on Thursday alone. 

The clashes have spread to nearly half of the country’s 64 districts, and the casualty figures are expected to increase.