External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar briefed MPs on the situation in Bangladesh during an all-party meeting in Parliament, emphasizing that there was no immediate need to evacuate the 12,000-13,000 Indians currently in the violence-hit country. Jaishankar assured that the government is closely monitoring the situation following the resignation of Sheikh Hasina and ongoing anti-government protests that have resulted in over 300 casualties.
The meeting, attended by NDA allies and opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, was not attended by Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) representatives. Jaishankar noted that around 8,000 Indians, primarily students, had already returned to India due to the protests over a controversial quota system for government jobs. Sheikh Hasina, who fled to India on Monday, is expected to make future decisions regarding her plans.
Rahul Gandhi stressed the need for a medium and long-term strategy, given that Bangladesh will be governed by an interim administration until elections. Jaishankar acknowledged the “fluid and developing” situation, including anti-India sentiments, but reassured that any new government in Bangladesh would address relations with India.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Priyanka Chaturvedi highlighted the potential impact of Bangladesh’s turmoil on India, urging the government to consider the safety of Indians abroad and secure the border.
