Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar has sought the understanding and support of the House in regard to sensitive issues regarding an important neighbour – Bangladesh - on which there has always been strong national consensus.
In a Suo moto statement in Rajyasabha on the situation in Bangladesh, he said they are also monitoring the situation with regard to the status of minorities, and noted that there are reports of initiatives by various groups and organizations to ensure their protection and well-being.
“We welcome that, but will naturally remain deeply concerned till law and order is visibly restored. Our border guarding forces have also been instructed to be exceptionally in view of this complex situation,” he said, mentioning that demonstrators converged in Dhaka despite the curfew, reports UNB.
Jaishankar said 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.”
“Our understanding is that after a meeting with leaders of the security establishment, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina apparently made the decision to resign. At very short notice, she requested approval to come for the moment to India. We simultaneously received a request for flight clearance from Bangladesh authorities. She arrived yesterday evening in Delhi,” he said.
In the last 24 hours, he said they have also been in regular touch with the authorities in Dhaka.
He apprised the House that Bangladesh-India relations have been exceptionally close for many decades over many governments. “Concern about recent violence and instability there is shared across the political spectrum.”
Since the election in January 2024, Jaishankar said there have been considerable tensions, deep divides and growing polarization in Bangladesh politics.
He said this underlying foundation aggravated a student agitation that started in June this year.
“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.”
Jaishankar said throughout this period, they repeatedly counselled restraint and urged that the situation be defused through dialogue. “Similar urgings were made to various political forces with whom we were in touch.”
Bd pratidin English/Lutful Hoque
