Maldivian cancels Dhaka flights amid unrest

Aug 6, 2024, 4:57 AM
Maldivian flight. -- Photo: Island Aviation

Maldivian flight. -- Photo: Island Aviation

The national airline, Maldivian, has cancelled flights to Dhaka amid civil unrest which led to the resignation of the Bangladeshi Prime Minister.

In a post on social media, Maldivian said the flights scheduled to and from Dhaka to Velana International Airport today have been cancelled. The airline said it was closely monitoring the situation in Bangladesh.

"The safety of our passengers and crew remains our most important priority," the post on X stated.

The protests in Bangladesh began a few weeks ago against the government's 30 percent job quota for soldiers who fought against Pakistan in 1971. However, the government's decision was reversed and the Bangladesh Supreme Court reduced the quota to five percent.

More than 300 people were killed when the army used force against the protesters. Around 100 people died in the 24 hours before Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's resignation.

The protesters stormed Hasina’s official residence in Dhaka yesterday afternoon. At the time, Bangladesh's longest-serving ruler had fled the country. Her resignation was announced after she escaped to India.

The government says there are 119 Maldivians, including 91 students, in Bangladesh. The Foreign Ministry has cautioned them to be vigilant.

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