"In Regular Touch With Dhaka": Jaishankar's Sue Moto Statement On Bangladesh (Photo@DrSJaishankar)

After the all-party meeting that discussed the prevailing situation in Bangladesh, Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar issued a suo-moto statement regarding the political crisis in the neighbouring country in the Rajya Sabha today.

Informing the Sabha that the India-Bangladesh relations have been “exceptionally close for many decades” over many governments, the minister stated that the concern about recent violence and instability has been shared across the political spectrum.

Seeking the understanding and support of the House stressing that it is a “sensitive issues about an important neighbour on which there has always been strong national consensus,” Jaishankar said that the government has been in regular touch with the authorities in Dhaka.

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As nationwide protest forced Sheikh Hasina to resign from the Prime Minister post, the Awami League chief fled the country and landed in India looking for a safer place. Bangladesh army then announced the military has taken over the reign, asserting that it would form an interim government soon.

Explaining the situation, the External Affairs Minister said that since the election in January 2024, “there has been considerable tensions, deep divides and growing polarization” in Bangladesh politics, adding that it aggravated a student agitation that started in June this year. The massive protest eventual led to the ouster of the Prime Minister.

As violence grew including attacks on public buildings and infrastructure and other disturbances, India 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, the minister said.

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Regarding the Indian nationals living in the neighbouring county, the minister assured that the government is in close contact with the Indian community. “There are an estimated 19,000 Indian nationals there, of which about 9,000 are students,” he said, highlighting that the bulk of the students have already returned to India on the advice of the High Commission.

Regarding India’s diplomatic presence, the minister said the country has assistant high Commissions in Chittagong, Rajshahi, Khulna and Sylhet, hoping that the host government will provide the required security protection for these establishments. “We look forward to their normal functioning once the situation stabilizes,” the minister added.

Referring to the alleged attack on minorities in Bangladesh, the minister said it is being monitored the situation, underscoring that there are reports of initiatives by various groups and organizations to ensure the protection and well-being of the minorities. “We welcome that, but will naturally remain deeply concerned till law and order are visibly restored. Our border guarding forces have also been instructed to be exceptionally in view of this complex situation,” the minister added.

Suo-moto statement in Loksabha on the situation in Bangladesh. https://t.co/2I1fPt2cGT

— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) August 6, 2024