MANILA – The Philippine government is “closely monitoring” the developing situation in Bangladesh, after its Prime Minister Sheik Hasina, resigned and fled the country.
This is after a month of what was initially peaceful demonstrations led by university students, but escalated to a bigger movement demanding for an end to Hasina’s “increasingly authoritarian leadership.”
According to the DFA statement, the Philippines calls for a peaceful and orderly transition of power in the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, following the resignation of Prime Minister Hasina on Monday.
Philippine Government Statement on the Situation in Bangladesh
— DFA Philippines 🇵🇭 (@DFAPHL) August 6, 2024
Also found in this link 👉🏻 https://t.co/0VhzNm2ieg#DFAForgingAhead pic.twitter.com/uqnCmVlwRf
According to reports from The New York Times, more than 300 people have been killed due to violent protests about “an old quota system” which was reinstated recently by the courts, reserving jobs for various groups, including the families of those “who fought for independence from Pakistan.”
Students and demonstrators deemed the said system as “unfair” and that positions should be filled “based on merit”.
Because of this, the Philippine government, as recommended by the Philippine Embassy in Dhaka, has raised Alert Level 1 in Bangladesh, the statement continued.
Alert Level 1 reminds all Filipinos in the country to remain indoors and to regularly monitor the situation during this period of transition, the DFA explained.
“The Philippine Embassy in Dhaka and the entire government stand ready to assist Filipinos affected by the on-going political developments in the country,” the DFA said.
Based on data from the Department, there are currently 700 Filipinos living and working in Bangladesh.
In its Situation Bulletin released last August 2, 2024, the DFA raised Alert Level 1 (Precautionary Phase), reminding Filipinos in the country to exercise precaution and restrict non-essential movement; remain vigilant, monitor and follow guidelines set by local authorities; always be in possession of valid passports and residence visas; and if not done so, register details and particulars with the Philippine Embassy in Dhaka.
(Courtesy of Department of Foreign Affairs - PH)
The Situation Bulletin also listed contacts for Filipinos in case of emergencies. These are as follows:
Email address: [email protected]
Emergency hotlines: (+880) 190.540.0079 (SMS, Calls, Whatsapp and Viber)
Facebook / Messenger: PhinBangladesh
Meanwhile, the Philippines conveys its solidarity with the people of Bangladesh and commits to efforts aimed at restoring peace and stability in Bangladesh, the statement read.
