India Closely Monitoring Status Of Minorities In Bangladesh Amid Crisis: Jaishankar Tells Rajya Sabha

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday informed the Parliament about India’s concern for minority communities in Bangladesh amid the ongoing crisis that led to the ouster of Sheikh Hasina.

Giving a suo motu statement in the Rajya Sabha on the situation in Bangladesh, Jaishankar said that India is closely monitoring the situation and noted efforts by various groups to protect minorities in the neighbouring country. He assured lawmakers that while Indian diplomatic missions in Bangladesh are functioning, the government expects the host nation to ensure their security.

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‘Deeply concerned’

“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,” the external affairs minister said.

“…we are also monitoring the situation with regard to the status of minorities. 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 added.

All-Party meeting

The Indian government is currently in a “wait and watch” mode regarding the political turmoil in Bangladesh while maintaining close contact with the Bangladesh Army. After the resignation of Hasina amid violent protests, India is focusing on the protection of minority communities in the wake of multiple attacks on Hindu temples across the country.

Asked about potential foreign influence during an all-party meeting, Jaishankar earlier today said it is too early to draw any conclusions.  “It is too early to rule in or rule out anything, but a Pakistani diplomat did change his social media profile picture to support the agitation in Bangladesh,” he added.

As the situation evolves, the Indian government has heightened security along its border with Bangladesh, responding to fears of spillover violence. The Border Security Force (BSF) has issued a high alert, and all train services between the two countries have been suspended indefinitely.

Hasina, who fled to India after her resignation, is reportedly in touch with Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval about the ongoing situation in Bangladesh. Indian officials are focused on ensuring that Hasina settles in India, allowing her time to recover and discuss her future plans.

With the military now in charge, the focus remains on restoring order in Bangladesh. The coming days will be critical as the nation navigates this political crisis. On Tuesday, the coordinators of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement announced that Nobel laureate Dr Muhammad Yunus will be the chief adviser to the interim government.

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