KPT considers whether Malaysian students should return from Bangladesh or continue studies locally

KUALA LUMPUR: The Ministry of Higher Education (KPT) will consider appropriate measures if Malaysian students currently in Bangladesh need to return to Malaysia to complete their studies due to the ongoing tensions in the country.

According to Berita Harian, Minister of Higher Education Datuk Seri Zambry Abdul Kadir stated that, similar to the steps taken during the Arab Spring crisis in Egypt in 2011, decisions will be based on several factors including the type of course or field of study, subjects taken, qualifications, and current circumstances.

“For those who have already returned to Malaysia, we have directed them to meet with us. We have initiated counseling processes and instructed them to discuss their next steps,” he said to reporters after attending a dinner event for the World Conference on Islamic Thought and Civilization 2024 (WCIT 2024) organized by Universiti Sultan Azlan Shah (USAS) last night.

Zambry noted that, for now, his team will closely monitor developments in Bangladesh alongside Wisma Putra before making any decisions.

“We will wait for further guidance from Wisma Putra. Whatever actions we take, we need to first get feedback from Wisma Putra,” he added.

Thousands of students in Bangladesh have been protesting since July 1 following a court decision to reinstate quotas for public jobs that were abolished in 2018. The protests have reportedly resulted in over 130 deaths.

As a result, 123 Malaysians, including 80 students, were repatriated from Bangladesh on a special flight on July 23, following instructions from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.