Given the sudden political disruption in Bangladesh, Indian medical students are now left wondering about their academic future. The possibility of transferring to Indian colleges has been on the minds of many, but uncertainty prevails as they await further development.
According to information shared by Minister of State for External Affairs, Kirti Vardhan Singh, in Rajya Sabha on August 8, the ongoing protests and violence in Bangladesh have forced around 7,200 Indian students to return to India. Now back home, these students are facing significant concerns about their academic future, with many unsure if they will be able to transfer to Indian colleges or if they’ll need to return to Bangladesh once the situation stabilises.
Students struggle to keep up with studies after returning from Bangladesh
Jayshree, a first-year MBBS student at Dhaka National Medical College, is one of those who has returned to India. Despite being back home, continuing her education remotely has proven to be a significant challenge for the 19-year-old. “It’s been really tough,” she admitted. “It’s difficult for me to keep up with my studies on my own, but I’m trying. My textbooks and bone sets are still at the dorms, which are important to my medical study.”
However, the lack of physical resources is only part of the problem. “It’s just not the same as having the actual materials in front of you,” Jayshree said. Although she has some digital books and notes, she finds it hard to concentrate in a home environment. “Everything is too cozy at home, so it’s difficult to force myself to focus entirely on my academics.”
Dhaka National Medical College issued an important notice on August 8, 2024, regarding the suspension of classes. The notice, signed by Principal Dr. Md. Shamsur Rahman, informed students, teachers, and staff members that classes for the MBBS and BDS programmes had been suspended till August 17, 2024, due to “unavoidable circumstances.”
The notice emphasised the importance of students—both domestic and foreign—being mentally prepared for the eventual resumption of classes. “This situation has been challenging for everyone involved,” the statement read, acknowledging the difficulties faced by students who have been out of class for an extended period. All students were advised to stay informed about any new developments. Lastly, the principal reassured students that the college is prepared to welcome them back.
But another student, who preferred to remain anonymous, shared that online classes have not yet started. “We don’t have any online classes as of yet. However, our college is expected to resume, hopefully online.” Like many others, this student is in a state of limbo, waiting for normalcy to return.
Shukrana Mathakiya, another first-year MBBS student from Dhaka National Medical College, expressed similar concerns. Although she has returned to Gujarat, she is still committed to continuing her studies in Bangladesh. “I am just waiting for the college to reopen. No online classes have started yet. If online classes begin, it would be better for now,” she said.
She further explained her reluctance to transfer out of Bangladesh. “I plan to return to Bangladesh for my studies once the situation improves. Transferring to another college, either in India or another country, is challenging and unlikely, especially since I probably won’t get a refund of the fees. For now, my plan is to complete my studies at my college in Bangladesh.”
Shukrana is also considering her options if returning to Bangladesh becomes impossible. “As far as I know, transfers aren’t being granted. If I do get a transfer, I’d prefer to continue in India,” she said, reflecting the uncertainty faced by many of her peers.
Minister of State for External Affairs, Kirti Vardhan Singh stated in written response in Rajya Sabha that there are approximately 19,000 Indian citizens in Bangladesh, including over 9,000 students. When asked about the total number of Indians in Bangladesh for education or business purposes, Singh responded that there has been no specific campaign to evacuate Indian citizens from the violence-hit neighboring country.
Assistance from Indian authorities
The Indian High Commission in Dhaka—along with the Assistant High Commissions in Chittagong, Rajshahi, Sylhet, and Khulna—has been actively assisting Indian citizens with their voluntary return.
These bodies have coordinated with relevant Bangladeshi authorities to ensure the safety and security of Indian citizens during their transit. Additionally, they have arranged transportation to airports and land ports along the India-Bangladesh border, facilitating a safe journey home for those affected by the unrest.
(Inputs from PTI)
