Pinoys in Bangladesh urged to stay indoors amid civil clash

Filipinos in Bangladesh were advised to stay indoors as civil unrest continues in the country.

In a statement issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Tuesday, the Philippine government said it has raised Alert Level 1 over Bangladesh in line with the recommendation of the Philippine Embassy in Dhaka.

“Alert Level 1 reminds all Filipinos in the country to remain indoors and to regularly monitor the situation during this period of transition,” the statement read.

The government and the embassy in Dhaka are on standby for assistance, if needed, the DFA said.

“The Philippines calls for the peaceful and orderly transition of power in the People’s Republic of Bangladesh… The Philippines conveys its solidarity with the people of Bangladesh and commits to efforts aimed at restoring peace and stability in Bangladesh,” it added.

The Department of Migrant Workers earlier said that the 700 overseas Filipino workers in the country are “safe and sound.”

The agency remains in close contact with the Philippine Embassy in Bangladesh and remains prepared to repatriate OFWs who wish to return to the country.

“The first order of priority is to ensure their safety and well-being. We are to check-mark them.” Said DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac.

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned and left the country on Monday after a violent protest that led to the death of at least 91 people and hundreds injured.

The incident has been deemed one of the worst violence since the birth of South Asia more than five decades ago. —Jiselle Anne Casucian/KG, GMA Integrated News