JAKARTA, RAKYAT NEWS— The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed the death of an Indonesian citizen in the ongoing unrest in Bangladesh.

According to the ministry, the Indonesian Embassy in Dhaka reported that an individual identified only as DU died in Jashore, Bangladesh, on August 5, 2024.

DU reportedly succumbed to smoke inhalation after the hotel where he was staying caught fire amid the violence.

DU had arrived in Bangladesh on August 1, 2024, for a business trip.

The ministry has contacted the victim’s family in Indonesia to offer condolences and is coordinating with DU’s employer to facilitate the repatriation of the body.

IT also advised Indonesian citizens to avoid large crowds and demonstrations and to follow guidance from the Indonesian Embassy in Dhaka.

Indonesians planning to travel to Bangladesh are advised to postpone their trips until the situation stabilizes.

In case of emergencies, citizens should contact the Indonesian Embassy’s hotline at (+880) 1614444552 or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at (+62) 812 9007 0027.

The unrest in Bangladesh began on July 1, 2024, in response to a new policy mandating a 30% quota for civil service jobs for the families of war veterans.

Protesters argue that the system is discriminatory and benefits supporters of the ruling Awami League Party, which is associated with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wazed. The ongoing demonstrations have claimed over 300 lives. (Uki Ruknuddin)