Speaking to South First from Bangladesh, Dayasagar said he contacted the Indian High Commission but was disappointed with their response.
Published Aug 07, 2024 | 5:14 PM ⚊ Updated Aug 07, 2024 | 5:14 PM
The BARI office in Bangladesh where the student is residing now.
Telangana student Dayasagar Koyyada sent an SOS to his friends in India and Germany on 5 July after the research institute in Bangladesh where he is stationed as on Wednesday, 7 August, was attacked due to the ongoing turmoil in the nation.
Daya, as he is called by his friends, locked himself inside when the attack took place. Some of the institute’s labourers rescued him and he is now been given shelter in their home.
Speaking to South First from Bangladesh, Dayasagar said he contacted the Indian High Commission but was disappointed with their response.
“They are just telling me to stay safe but I explained my situation. They have only one answer and that is to stay safe,” a worried Daya said on a call.
He is requesting help to either return to India or to Germany where he is pursuing an MSc in Agricultural Sciences at the University of Hohenheim in Stuttgart.
Dayasagar went to Bangladesh as part of his research at the Agricultural Research Institute in Binerpota.
He is a resident of Siddipet in Telangana and went from Germany to Bangladesh as a Master’s Thesis student at the International Potato Center (CIP) in Bangladesh three months ago.
His friends are running from pillar to post to get him out of the strife-torn nation. They have written to the international office of the University and to the German organisation that funded him for the internship.
In their letter on behalf of Dayasagar, they said, “I arrived here (Bangladesh) in April 2024, and I am writing to inform you of a dire situation. The BARI office where I am residing has been attacked by a large mob of 200-300 armed individuals. The current conditions are extremely tense, and I am currently hiding inside a room to ensure my safety.”
Protestors destroying the statue of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
The letter further stated: “The situation has escalated further, as there are targeted attacks against Hindus and Indians in Bangladesh. Additionally, I have heard that Indian airlines are currently not operating, and airports in Dhaka are also under attack.”
“I hold an active visa for Germany as well, so if evacuation to India is not feasible at the moment, I would be willing to fly to Germany. However, my immediate need is to get out of this dangerous situation here. Please advise on any possible measures that can be taken to ensure my safety and assist with my evacuation. Your urgent intervention would be greatly appreciated,” the letter concluded.
Meanwhile, the Telangana Chief Secretary wrote to the Indian High Commission in Bangladesh to ensure the safe return of Dayasagar.
“The high commission of India, Dhaka, Bangladesh, is requested to take necessary steps to evacuate with the local and research institute authorities to repatriate to India or Germany accordingly. The Ministry of External & Overseas Indian Affairs, government of India, is requested to pursue the matter with the high commission of India, Dhaka, Bangladesh,” the Chief Secretary wrote.
Bangladesh’s ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina, fled to India following mass protests against her government,
(Edited by Muhammed Fazil)
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