Bangladesh Urged to Ensure Safety for Foreign Students Amid Rising Concerns

Call for Zero Tolerance Against Violence

Dhaka: A recent report emphasizes that Bangladesh needs to adopt a strict zero-tolerance policy towards violence against international students, advocating for genuine legal action rather than mere promises. It calls on local universities to extend their support beyond campus boundaries and actively protect their students.

The report from Eurasia Review warns that a nation can lose its ethical standing when students feel unsafe due to their nationality. It suggests that Bangladesh is perilously close to this troubling reality.

Highlighting a recent interview with an Indian medical student in Dhaka, who goes by the name Karim, the report reveals that he confines himself to his hostel each evening out of fear, not due to academic pressures. He listens intently before opening his door, avoids public markets, and conceals his accent. His education, funded by his father's savings, has turned into a daily struggle for safety, transforming what was once a welcoming environment into a prison-like experience.

This situation is not unique; over 9,000 Indian medical students are currently studying in Bangladesh, primarily due to the affordability of education.

The report explains that India produces far more aspiring medical students than available government seats, with over two million candidates vying for fewer than 60,000 spots annually. While private institutions exist, their fees are exorbitant. In contrast, Bangladesh offers medical degrees at about half the cost, making it a necessity for many middle-class Indian families.

Historically, this arrangement has been beneficial, with Indian students integrating into Dhaka's educational landscape and contributing to the local academic economy. However, this balance has recently been disrupted.

The report also notes a rise in violence against religious minorities, particularly Hindus, since the removal of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, which has heightened fears among students.

While Dhaka claims these incidents are politically motivated rather than communal, this distinction provides little reassurance to students who feel the impact of their identity during examinations. In the realm of politics, the consequences often overshadow the intentions behind actions.

The implications of this issue extend beyond just diplomatic relations, posing a risk of education becoming collateral damage in the geopolitical landscape of South Asia.

The report concludes that when students are viewed as pawns in political disputes, it results in losses for everyone involved: the host nations, the countries sending students, and the fragile belief that education can rise above political conflicts.