SEPANG: Malaysians evacuated from Bangladesh amid escalating tensions are relieved to have arrived at KLIA.
Students studying in Bangladesh described mandatory curfews, violent protests, high food prices, and dwindling food supplies.
Mohd Haziq Syahmi, a 33-year-old Malaysian medical student, reported violent protests near his university.
"Many were killed. In my area, seven people were shot. We were scared," said Haziq.
"Our cash was depleting fast because we couldn’t withdraw money. Food prices were skyrocketing, and locals feared a food crisis," he added.
Haziq noted the absence of internet connection since last Thursday (July 18).
Syazanna Amira, 28, mentioned that Celcom Digi provided free roaming last weekend, enabling students to contact their parents after days without internet.
"Students subscribed to Celcom Digi lent their phones to those who weren’t subscribed. The embassy contacted us daily, and we took turns staying up at night for calls that typically came after midnight," said Syazanna.
She claimed there were shoot-on-sight orders for curfew violators.
"On the way to Dhaka airport yesterday (July 23), we saw many buses being burnt," she added.
Local advice prompted Syazanna to return to Malaysia due to the escalating violence being dangerous for foreigners.
"We planned to buy our tickets but received a call on Monday (July 22) to be ready for evacuation," she said.
"I'm relieved to land in Malaysia after being stuck in our homes in Bangladesh for too long. We saw people bring weapons to riots. I appreciate the government’s evacuation efforts."
Nor Hamimi Harun expressed gratitude for the evacuation of her two sons, Muhammad Aliff Hazim Abdul Shukor, 22, and Muhammad Alif Haziq Abdul Shukor, 25.
"I called my sons every six hours to check on them. I'm grateful for the communication, despite the poor call quality," she said.
Muhammad Aliff Hazim stayed home due to the curfew since last Saturday (July 20).
Muhammad Aliff Haziq followed evacuation instructions from Wisma Putra despite poor internet connection.
"I'm grateful to hug mom," said Muhammad Aliff Haziq.
123 Malaysians, including 80 students, arrived at KLIA2 at 5pm on Tuesday (July 23).
Deputy Foreign Minister Datuk Mohamad Alamin said five Malaysian soldiers and 10 pilots remain in Bangladesh under employment contracts.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail stated that the Malaysian High Commission in Bangladesh continues to monitor developments.
"Malaysians still there should keep in touch with the Malaysian High Commission," added Saifuddin.
On Monday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced the evacuation of all Malaysian students amidst the worrying protests in Bangladesh.
Earlier in July, tens of thousands of Bangladeshi students protested after a court ruling reinstated job quotas, repealed in 2018.
The Bangladesh government closed all universities on Saturday (July 20) and imposed a nationwide curfew due to the protests.
Over 100 people have been killed since the riots began on July 16 (Tuesday).
