External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar today apprised the nation of the measures that the government is taking to ensure the safety of the Indian community in Bangladesh.
Number Of Indian Nationals In Bangladesh
“There are an estimated 19,000 Indian nationals there, of which about 9,000 are students,’’ Jaishankar told the Parliament on Tuesday afternoon.
He said that a majority of students heeded the advice of the High Commission and returned to India in July.
India In Continuous Touch With The Indian Community
India is in close and continuous touch with the Indian community in Bangladesh through its diplomatic missions.
Jaishankar expressed deep concern about the evolving situation in Bangladesh.
He added, “In the last 24 hours, we have also been in regular touch with the authorities in Dhaka.’’
Forces Guarding The Border Asked To Be Exeptionally Alert
The minister said that India has also instructed its border guarding forces to be exceptionally alert in view of this complex situation.
He further said that India is also monitoring the situation with regard to the status of minorities.
Jaishankar also drew attention to initiatives being taken by various groups and organizations to ensure their protection and well-being.
India Deeply Concerned
“We welcome that but will naturally remain deeply concerned till law and order is visibly restored,” Jaishankar added.
The minister said that in addition to the High Commission in Dhaka, we have Assistant High Commissions in Chittagong, Rajshahi, Khulna and Sylhet.
India Hopes Host Government Will Protect India’s High Commission And Assistant High Commissions
He said that India expects the host government to provide the required security protection for these establishments.
“We look forward to their normal functioning once the situation stabilizes.’’
Situation in Bangladesh Is Still Evolving
Jaishankar said that the situation in Bangladesh is still evolving.
The Army Chief, General Waker-uz-Zaman, addressed the nation on 5th August. He spoke about assuming responsibility and constituting an interim government.
Jaishankar Seeks Support Of The House
“I seek the understanding and support of the House in regard to sensitive issues regarding an important neighbour.’’
He reminded the Parliament that there is always strong national consensus on Bangladesh.
Update On The Situation In Bangladesh
The minister gave an update on the situation in Bangladesh following Sheikh Hasina’s hurried resignation on Monday.
How Sheikh Haisna requested Approval to Come To India
“At very short notice, she requested approval to come for the moment to India.’’
Jaishankar added, “We simultaneously received a request for flight clearance from Bangladesh authorities. She arrived yesterday evening in Delhi.’’
How Sheikh Hasina May Have Decided To Resign
Our understanding is that after a meeting with leaders of the security establishment, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina apparently made the decision to resign.
He said that the entire political spectrum in India is concerned about recent violence and instability in Bangladesh.
India And Bangladesh Have Had Close Ties
‘’India-Bangladesh relations have been exceptionally close for many decades over many governments.
How Tensions Began After The Election In January?
Since the election in January 2024, there has been considerable tensions, deep divides and growing polarization in Bangladesh politics.
This underlying foundation aggravated a student agitation that started in June this year.
Violence And Vandalism
There was growing violence, including attacks on public buildings and infrastructure, as well as traffic and rail obstructions.
The violence continued through the month of July.
India Counselled Restraint
“Throughout this period, we repeatedly counselled restraint and urged that the situation be defused through dialogue,’’ he said.
Similar urgings were made to various political forces with whom we were in touch.
No Let-Up in Agitation
Despite a Supreme Court judgement on July 21, there was no let-up in the public agitation.
Various decisions and actions taken thereafter only exacerbated the situation.
The agitation at this stage coalesced around a one-point agenda, that is that the Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina should step down.
How The Situation Turned Grave
He explained how events took a very serious turn on August 4.
Damage To Public Property
Attacks on police, including police stations and government installations, intensified even as overall levels of violence greatly escalated.
Properties of individuals associated with the regime were torched across the country.
What was particularly worrying was that minorities, their businesses and temples also came under attack at multiple locations.
The full extent of this is still not clear.
The Scene in Dhaka On August 5
He said that on August 5, demonstrators converged in Dhaka despite the curfew.
The Army Chief, General Waker-uz-Zaman, addressed the nation on August 5. He spoke about assuming responsibility and constituting an interim government.
