Indian Students in Bangladesh: Facing New Fear and Uncertainty

A Growing Sense of Fear

Life has changed very quickly for Indian students in Bangladesh this month. For many years, thousands of young Indians went there to study medicine. They wanted to become doctors and help people. However, the situation in January 2026 has become very scary. Many students now describe their daily lives as a “nightmare.”

They are no longer focused only on their books and exams. Instead, they are worried about their safety every single day. Because of recent political unrest, the streets of Dhaka and other cities are not safe. Consequently, fear has gripped the hearts of these students and their families back home in India.

Living Under Lock and Key

The most visible change is how students spend their time. In the past, they could walk freely to markets or tea stalls. But now, they must follow very strict rules to stay safe. Many students at places like East West Medical College lock themselves in their rooms by 8 p.m. They do not open the door unless they recognize the voice outside.

Even when they are inside the hostel, they feel like they are in a jail. They avoid speaking loudly because their accent might give them away. They know that being identified as Indian could lead to trouble. Therefore, the hostel has turned from a home into a place of confinement.

Why the Unrest is Happening

You might wonder why things became so difficult so fast. The reason is a mix of politics and new laws. In early 2026, there were many protests regarding the upcoming elections. Also, some groups have started spreading anti-India messages online and in the streets. They blame India for many of the problems happening in Bangladesh right now.

For instance, when a local youth leader died recently, people became very angry. They took their anger out on anyone they thought was connected to India. As a result, Indian students have become targets of this misplaced frustration. This makes it very hard for them to focus on their medical degrees.

The Impact on Medical Education

There are over 9,000 Indian students in Bangladesh, and most are studying medicine. For them, this unrest is a double weight. They have to study for very hard exams while feeling constant anxiety. Some students have reported a “haunting silence” in their hostels. They sit at their desks, but their eyes are often on their phone screens.

They watch disturbing videos of violence happening just outside their gates. Consequently, many are finding it impossible to memorize their lessons. They just want to finish their exams and go back to India as soon as possible. However, the travel routes are not always open or safe.

Rising Anti-India Sentiments

One of the biggest problems is the rise of anti-India feelings. In the past, Indian and Bangladeshi students were often close friends. But now, that bond is being tested by politics. Students say they see smashed windows and fires near their colleges. They hear people shouting slogans against their country.

This makes them feel like they are no longer welcome. Some have even stopped using social media because the comments are so mean. They fear that if they speak up, they will face retribution from the local authorities. Thus, they choose to stay silent and hide their identity whenever they can.

A Plea for Help from India

Back in India, parents are extremely worried. They see the news and call their children every hour. Because of this stress, groups like the All India Medical Students Association (AIMSA) have stepped in. They wrote an urgent letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It asked the Indian government to intervene immediately.

They want the government to ensure the safety of every student stranded there. Some families are even asking for a total evacuation. They believe that no degree is worth a young life. Consequently, the Indian High Commission in Dhaka is now working hard to monitor the situation.

The Struggle to Return Home

Returning to India is not as easy as it sounds. Many students are in the middle of their final years. If they leave now, they might lose their degrees and all their hard work. Also, some airports and land borders have faced closures or delays. For example, some visa services were stopped recently due to “unavoidable circumstances.”

This makes the students feel trapped in a cycle of fear. They want to leave, but they also want to be doctors. It is a very difficult choice to make. Therefore, they are waiting for a clear signal from the Indian embassy before they make a move.

Comparing Past and Present

Some older students remember the protests from 2024. Back then, there were big fights over job quotas. While that was scary, many say the 2026 unrest feels different. In 2024, the anger was mostly about the government. But today, the anger feels more personal toward Indians.

This shift has made the students feel more vulnerable than ever before. In the past, they felt the college was a “second home.” Now, it feels like a place where they are not wanted. Because of this change, many are rethinking their decision to study abroad in the future.

The Psychological Toll

The mental health of these students is a major concern. Living in constant fear causes a lot of emotional distress. They are far away from their parents and have no one to talk to. Many students say they are having trouble sleeping at night. Every loud noise outside makes them jump with fear. They are constantly checking news updates on their phones. Indian Students

This psychological strain makes it hard to be a good medical student. Doctors need to be calm and focused, but these students are feeling broken. As a result, the long-term impact on their health could be very serious. Indian Students

Hoping for Peace Indian Students

In conclusion, the situation for Indian students in Bangladesh is truly a nightmare. The combination of political violence and anti-India sentiment has created a dangerous environment. These students went to a neighboring country with big dreams, but now they just want safety. It is important for both governments to work together to protect these young lives. Indian Students

We must hope that peace returns to the streets of Dhaka very soon. Until then, the students will continue to lock their doors and wait for better days. Their courage in this difficult time is something we should all respect. Indian Students

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