India Closely Monitoring Situation of Minorities in Bangladesh Amid Political Turmoil
NEW DELHI, Aug 6: India is closely monitoring the evolving situation in Bangladesh, particularly concerning the status of minorities, and is in “close and continuous” contact with the Indian community there through its diplomatic missions, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar informed the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday.
Addressing the Upper House, Jaishankar detailed former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s urgent request to come to India “for the moment” amidst the unfolding crisis. He mentioned that India has directed its border guarding forces to be exceptionally vigilant due to the complex and dynamic situation in the neighboring country.
“There are an estimated 19,000 Indian nationals in Bangladesh, of which about 9,000 are students. Most of these students have already returned to India in July,” Jaishankar informed the MPs.
On August 5, despite a curfew, demonstrators gathered in Dhaka. According to Jaishankar, after a meeting with leaders of the security establishment, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina decided to resign. “At very short notice, she requested approval to come to India,” he said, adding that Bangladesh authorities simultaneously requested flight clearance, and Hasina arrived in Delhi the previous evening.
Army Chief General Waqar-uz-Zaman addressed the nation on August 5, announcing his assumption of responsibility and the formation of an interim government. Jaishankar reiterated that India is in close contact with the Indian community in Bangladesh through its diplomatic missions.
The government is also keeping a vigilant eye on the status of minorities in Bangladesh during this period of political instability.
