Following the recent chaos in Bangladesh, hundreds of Afghan female students at the Asian University for Women are increasingly concerned about their security, according to multiple sources close to the Afghan female students in Bangladesh.
Since the start of the protest on July 13, they have been prohibited from leaving their dormitory and are expressing serious concerns about their safety.
“They [Afghan students] are not allowed to leave the hostel. They are in poor security, emotional, and psychological condition. The university has not permitted them to be interviewed by the media,” the sources said.
The sources added that the students fear for their safety and worry that if the situation deteriorates further, they might be forced to return to Afghanistan.
“They are in a state of confusion and have been confined to the hostel like prisoners for more than three weeks,” the sources said.
“For a week, the internet was completely cut off, preventing the girls from contacting their families in Afghanistan. This situation has caused concern for both the families and the students.”
Approximately 550 to 600 Afghan students left Afghanistan for Bangladesh to continue their studies following the fall of the previous government in August 2021.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned and fled the country on Monday amid escalating student protests that have transformed into deadly and widespread unrest.
On Sunday, clashes between police and protesters resulted in over 90 deaths, including at least ten police officers.
The protests began with demands to cancel reserved quotas for government jobs and have evolved into a broader campaign of civil disobedience.
Reports indicate that at least 300 people have died in the protests over the past month.
