Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla informed the lower house of Parliament on Tuesday that External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will make a statement on the situation in Bangladesh. Birla announced after Question Hour that Jaishankar would make a suo motu statement at 3:30 p.m. in the Lok Sabha.
Jaishankar is also scheduled to address the Rajya Sabha at 2:30 p.m. regarding the situation in Bangladesh. Earlier today, the External Affairs Minister chaired an all-party meeting in Parliament, briefing leaders on the ongoing developments and the situation in the neighboring country.
Sources from the all-party meeting told ANI that Jaishankar discussed how Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had moved to India and how India would support her. Jaishankar mentioned that Sheikh Hasina is in India and that the Indian government is awaiting her indication of future actions.
On X, S. Jaishankar stated, “Briefed an all-party meeting in Parliament today about the ongoing developments in Bangladesh. Appreciate the unanimous support and understanding extended.”
Briefed an All-Party meeting in Parliament today about the ongoing developments in Bangladesh.
Appreciate the unanimous support and understanding that was extended. pic.twitter.com/tiitk5M5zn
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) August 6, 2024
During the meeting, Jaishankar also informed the leaders that the central government is in contact with the Bangladesh Army. He emphasized that the situation is evolving, and the government will take appropriate action at the right time, according to sources.
Leaders were informed that there are approximately 20,000 Indian nationals in Bangladesh, with 8,000 having returned so far. Jaishankar assured that the Indian government is in touch with Indian nationals, and the High Commission continues to operate.
The focus is on protecting minorities, according to sources from the all-party meeting. Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi inquired about India’s long-term and short-term strategies. The government indicated that the situation is fluid and will be continuously analyzed. Gandhi also questioned the possibility of foreign involvement, to which the government responded that all angles are being investigated. After being briefed, Gandhi expressed support for the government’s measures.
Bangladesh is currently experiencing a fluid political situation following Sheikh Hasina’s resignation amid widespread protests, primarily by students demanding an end to a quota system for government jobs. In Dhaka, leaders of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement have proposed an interim government led by Nobel Laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus to address the country’s challenges.
Meanwhile, Sheikh Hasina arrived in India on Monday evening after resigning. It remains unclear whether she will stay in Delhi or relocate elsewhere.
(With ANI Inputs)
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