Dhaka: Indian students studying medicine in Bangladesh are living under growing fear as political unrest and rising hostility reshape daily life. Many now restrict movement, avoid public spaces, and hide national identity to stay safe.
Karim, a medical student from Haryana studying near Dhaka, spends evenings locked inside his hostel room. He listens before opening doors and avoids crowded markets. He arrived in April 2024 when the city felt welcoming. Street protests against former prime minister Sheikh Hasina in mid 2024 changed everything. Colleges advised Indian students to remain on campus. Those instructions remain in place.
More than 9,000 Indian medical students study across Bangladesh. Many enrolled due to limited government medical seats in India and lower private college costs in Bangladesh. Families invested life savings. Leaving now feels impossible for most students.
Fear intensified after an Indian student faced an assault near Dhaka on December 19. Attackers stole personal belongings. CCTV footage spread quickly through student groups and triggered panic. Students began limiting travel and avoiding conversation in public.
Vaibhav, an intern at a Dhaka medical college, said daily life now revolves around caution. He avoids markets and speaks carefully inside hospitals. He worries about backlash linked to rising anti India sentiment following political developments involving Sheikh Hasina and India’s refusal to extradite her.
Academic life also suffered. Classes faced delays. Exams faced postponement. Internet shutdowns and curfews disrupted studies. Hostel gates now close as early as 8 pm. Students describe hostels as confinement zones.
Student groups report hundreds of distress calls. Many urge intervention from both governments. For now, students wait. Fear shapes routine. Education continues under pressure.
