External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar told an all-party meeting that India has assured help to former Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina, who arrived here on Monday evening, and given her time to decide the future course of action.
Briefing political party leaders in Parliament House, Jaishankar said India was in touch with the Bangladesh Army to ensure the safety of over 10,000 Indian students in that country, according to the media reports.
‘Briefed an All-Party meeting in Parliament today about the ongoing developments in Bangladesh. Appreciate the unanimous support and understanding that was extended’, Jaishankar posted on X after the meeting.
Briefed an All-Party meeting in Parliament today about the ongoing developments in Bangladesh.
Appreciate the unanimous support and understanding that was extended. pic.twitter.com/tiitk5M5zn
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) August 6, 2024
S Jaishankar said that Sheikh Hasina had at very short notice requested approval to come to India. ‘We are monitoring the situation with regards to the minorities living in Bangladesh’, said Jaishankar said speaking in Rajya Sabha today on the situation in the neighbouring country.
Speaking in Rajya Sabha on the situation in Bangladesh, Jaishankar said ‘We are in close and continuous touch with the Indian community in Bangladesh through our diplomatic missions. There are an estimated 19,000 Indian nationals there of which about 9000 are students. The bulk of the students returned in July’.
Jaishankar noted that ties between India and Bangladesh are exceptionally close. ‘Since the election in January 2024, there has been considerable tensions, deep divides and growing polarization in Bangladesh politics and “this underlying foundation aggravated a student agitation that started in June this year.’
There was growing violence including attacks on public buildings and violence continued in July. We counselled restraint and urged the situation be resolved by dialogue, Jaishankar said in his statement in Rajya Sabha.
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