A Bangladeshi Hero: Rescuing Indian Students Amidst ViolenceA Bangladeshi Hero: Rescuing Indian Students Amidst Violence In a courageous act of bravery, an unnamed Bangladeshi man risked his life to assist the escape of 15 Indian medical students amidst violent protests against job quotas. Amidst Chaos and Violence The Indian students, including five from Assam, were studying at Delta Medical College and Hospital in Dhaka. On July 18th, violent protests erupted, trapping the students in their residence. A Plan for Escape Abbas Ali, a 20-year-old Assamese student, reached out to a local friend, the unnamed Bangladeshi man. Together, they devised a daring plan to evacuate the students. A Risky Journey On the evening of July 18th, the Bangladeshi man arranged an ambulance to transport the students. Despite the deteriorating situation, he managed to escort them safely to a private clinic for food and shelter. Protesters’ Roadblock As they approached Dhaka airport, the ambulance was intercepted by angry protesters. The Bangladeshi man, with quick thinking, ordered the driver to claim they were carrying patients. However, the protesters discovered the students and attacked the vehicle. Negotiating for Safety Despite the chaos, the young man remained calm and convinced the protesters to allow the students safe passage. Abbas later recalled witnessing the protesters burning a nearby vehicle and seeing bodies in the streets. Arrival in Kolkata After a harrowing journey, the students finally arrived at Dhaka airport and boarded their flight to Kolkata. They had spent 18 hours at the airport, unable to contact their families due to suspended phone and internet services. A Symbol of Humanity The Bangladeshi man’s courageous actions exemplified humanity amidst the violence. His role in ensuring the safety of the Indian students highlights the importance of compassion and empathy during times of crisis.
Abbas Ali, a 20-year-old Assamese student in Bangladesh, shared his shocking experience
In a remarkable act of bravery, a young Bangladeshi man risked his life to help 15 Indian medical students flee Bangladesh amid violent protests against job quotas.
The Bangladeshi national (who did not want to be named), who arranged for an ambulance and escorted the students to Dhaka airport, played a crucial role in their escape. At one point, the ambulance was intercepted by angry protesters. The Bangladeshi man, who was named, managed to convince them to allow safe passage despite the escalating violence.
The students, including five from Assam, were enrolled at Delta Medical College and Hospital, affiliated to the University of Dhaka. Abbas Ali, a 20-year-old Assamese student who joined the college on June 28, shared his harrowing experience for Pratidine Time in Sivasagar on Sunday.
When the violence broke out, Abbas and his peers were stuck in their student house. “We were discussing how to get out of the country and return home,” Abbas said. “The oldest one among us said that maybe a local friend could help. And he did.”
To ensure their safety, the Bangladeshi man transported the students in an ambulance on the night of July 18, even though their flight was scheduled for 5 p.m. on July 19. He first took them to a private clinic and fed them before heading to the airport.
During their journey, the ambulance was stopped by protesters. However, the Bangladeshi man ordered the driver to claim that they were transporting patients. However, when the protesters discovered the students, they attacked the vehicle and the driver and tried to set it on fire. Despite the chaos and violence, the young man managed to convince the protesters to let them go.
Describing the scene, Abbas noted: “The protesters had already set fire to a vehicle just a few meters away. We saw bodies on the road. We took a detour and eventually reached the airport.”
After spending 18 hours at the airport, the students boarded their flight and arrived safely in Kolkata. Abbas noted that during the unrest, phone and internet services were suspended, making it impossible to contact their families.
Abbas had suspected trouble when the university unexpectedly declared a half-day holiday and received warnings from local students about possible violence. “For more than two weeks, we had no problems. Then chaos broke out. I just hope that peace returns to Bangladesh soon,” he said.
The young Bangladeshi’s courageous actions are being hailed as an example of humanity amidst the violence, highlighting the crucial role he played in ensuring the safety of Indian students.
