India ensuring security of its diplomatic missions in Bangladesh, protection of minorities: EAM Jaishankar

New Delhi, Aug 06: In a suo-moto statement to the Rajya Sabha, Dr. S. Jaishankar, the Minister of External Affairs provided a comprehensive update on the recent developments in Bangladesh, emphasizing the historical closeness of India-Bangladesh relations and the current concerns over violence and instability in the neighboring country.

"Mr. Chairman Sir, I rise to apprise this august House of certain recent developments pertaining to Bangladesh. As Hon’ble Members are aware, India-Bangladesh relations have been exceptionally close for many decades over many governments. Concern about recent violence and instability there is shared across the political spectrum," Dr. Jaishankar began.

Highlighting the escalating tensions since the January 2024 elections in Bangladesh, Dr. Jaishankar noted the political polarization and the intensification of student agitations that began in June. "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. There was growing violence, including attacks on public buildings and infrastructure, as well as traffic and rail obstructions," he stated.

Despite repeated calls for restraint and dialogue, the violence continued to escalate through July, with the situation worsening after a Supreme Court judgment on July 21. "Sir, despite a Supreme Court judgment on 21 July, 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," Dr. Jaishankar explained.

The violence reached a critical point on August 4, with attacks on police stations, government installations, and properties associated with the regime, as well as targeting minorities. "On 4th August, events took a very serious turn. 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," he detailed.

On August 5, despite a curfew, demonstrators converged in Dhaka, leading Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to request approval to come to India. "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. She arrived yesterday evening in Delhi," Dr. Jaishankar confirmed.

The situation remains fluid, with General Waker-uz-Zaman, the Army Chief, addressing the nation and assuming responsibility to form an interim government. "The situation in Bangladesh Sir, 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," Dr. Jaishankar noted.

India is closely monitoring the situation, particularly the safety of the Indian community in Bangladesh and the status of minorities. "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 9,000 are students. The bulk of the students have already returned to India in the month of July on the advice of the High Commission," he informed.

Dr. Jaishankar concluded by emphasizing India's commitment to ensuring the security of its diplomatic missions in Bangladesh and the protection of minorities. "Our border guarding forces have also been instructed to be exceptionally alert in view of this complex situation. In the last 24 hours, we have also been in regular touch with the authorities in Dhaka. This is the situation as of now. I seek the understanding and support of the House in regard to sensitive issues regarding an important neighbor on which there has always been strong national consensus," he said.