According to media sources, India is in close and constant touch with its nationals in Bangladesh through its diplomatic missions amid unrest in the neighbouring country. Around 19 thousand Indian nationals are presently in Bangladesh, including 9000 students. In a suo moto statement in the Rajya Sabha over the situation in Bangladesh this afternoon, External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar said the bulk of the students have already returned to India last month on the advice of the High Commission in Dhaka.
Dr Jaishankar informed the Upper House that New Delhi is 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. He said India welcomes these initiatives but will remain deeply concerned till law and order is visibly restored. He said Indian border guarding forces have also been instructed to be exceptional in view of this complex situation.
He said Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had apparently decided to resign from her post after meeting with leaders of security establishments. He informed that she had requested approval to come to India for the moment and arrived in Delhi last evening.
In the last 24 hours, New Delhi has also been in regular touch with the authorities in Dhaka. The External Affairs Minister added that the situation in Bangladesh is still evolving. Bangladesh Army Chief, General Waker-uz-Zaman, addressed the nation yesterday and spoke about assuming responsibility and constituting an interim government.
On India’s diplomatic presence in the neighbouring country, the Minister informed that in addition to the High Commission in Dhaka, there are Assistant High Commissions in Chittagong, Rajshahi, Khulna and Sylhet. He said India expects the host government to provide the required security protection for these establishments and looks forward to their normal functioning once the situation stabilizes.
