In a recent address to the Lok Sabha, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar provided an update on the situation concerning Indian nationals in Bangladesh amidst the ongoing political unrest in the neighboring country. According to Jaishankar, there are approximately 19,000 Indian nationals currently in Bangladesh, with around 9,000 of them being students. The minister assured that the Indian government is maintaining close contact with its citizens through diplomatic channels.
Jaishankar reported that the majority of the students had returned to India by July. He emphasized that the Indian government is actively engaging with the Indian community in Bangladesh and monitoring the situation closely. The minister also highlighted that Bangladesh’s former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina made an urgent request to visit India due to escalating tensions. She arrived in Delhi on August 6, after a brief but intense period of unrest in Dhaka.
The political turmoil in Bangladesh has seen significant developments since the January 2024 elections, leading to heightened tensions and increasing polarization. Protests, including violent clashes and attacks on public infrastructure, began in June and continued through July. Despite the Supreme Court’s intervention in late July, the unrest persisted, focusing on demands for Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s resignation.
On August 4, the situation deteriorated further, with intensified attacks on police stations, government buildings, and properties linked to the ruling regime. The unrest also extended to minorities, with reports of attacks on their businesses, temples, and homes. The full scale of the violence is still being assessed.
Jaishankar informed that the Indian government is closely monitoring the security situation for minorities in Bangladesh and coordinating with various groups to ensure their protection. India’s diplomatic presence includes the High Commission in Dhaka and Assistant High Commissions in Chittagong, Rajshahi, Khulna, and Sylhet. The government expects the host nation to provide adequate security for these establishments and is hopeful for the restoration of normalcy soon.
Additionally, the minister mentioned that India’s border guarding forces have been instructed to remain vigilant in light of the evolving situation. The government continues to stay in regular contact with Dhaka authorities to navigate this complex situation.
In his statement, Jaishankar called for understanding and support from the House regarding sensitive issues related to Bangladesh, emphasizing the importance of maintaining strong national consensus on this critical neighbor.
The situation in Bangladesh remains fluid, and both Indian and Bangladeshi authorities are working towards stabilizing the region amid ongoing challenges.
Sources By Agencies
