PTC News Desk:  External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar addressed Rajya Sabha on the escalating crisis in Bangladesh. His statement comes after the fall of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's government and the subsequent military takeover.

Speaking on the Bangladesh situation, Jaishankar said, "...On 5th August, demonstrators converged in Dhaka despite the curfew. Our understanding is that after a meeting with leaders of the security establishment, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina apparently made the decision to resign. At very short notice, she requested approval to come for the moment to India. We simultaneously received a request for flight clearance from Bangladesh authorities. She arrived yesterday evening in Delhi."

Speaking on the situation in Bangladesh, External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar says, “Our understanding is that after a meeting with leaders of security establishments, PM Sheikh Hasina apparently made the decision to resign. At very short notice, she requested approval to… pic.twitter.com/fT9hV94IIo — ANI (@ANI) August 6, 2024

He also informed the Parliament that, "government is in close touch with the Indian community in Bangladesh."

"India expects its neighbour - home to over 19,000 Indian nationals - to provide security in light of the violent protests that yesterday forced Sheikh Hasina to stand down as Prime Minister and flee that country," he added.

#WATCH | Speaking in Rajya Sabha on the situation in Bangladesh, External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar says, "...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… pic.twitter.com/SJSv1hkQ1f — ANI (@ANI) August 6, 2024

The External Affairs Minister added that the situation in Bangladesh is still evolving. "Army Chief General Waker-uz-Zaman addressed the country on August 5th. He talked about assuming responsibility and constituting an interim government," he said.

Indians in Bangladesh

Speaking about Indians in the violence-torn country, Jaishankar said that the government is in close touch with the Indian community in Bangladesh through 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."

"In terms of our diplomatic presence, in addition to the High Commission in Dhaka, we have Assistant High Commissions in Chittagong, Rajshahi, Khulna and Sylhet. It is our expectation that the host government will provide the required security protection for these establishments. We look forward to their normal functioning once the situation stabilizes," he added.

India is also monitoring the situation regarding 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 alert in view of this complex situation," he added.

"In the last 24 hours, we have also been in regular touch with the authorities in Dhaka. This is the situation as of now. I seek the understanding and support of the House in regard to sensitive issues regarding an important neighbour on which there has always been strong national consensus," Jaishankar said.

Earlier today, the External Affairs Minister presided over an all-party meeting in Parliament and updated the leaders on current events in Bangladesh as well as the situation in neighbouring nation.

He also discussed Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's move to India and how India would look after the Bangladeshi leader, according to sources.

Jaishankar stated that Sheikh Hasina is in India, and the Indian government wishes to give her time to decide on her future course of action.

S Jaishankar said on X, "Briefed an All-Party meeting in Parliament today about the ongoing developments in Bangladesh. Appreciate the unanimous support and understanding that was extended."

- With inputs from agencies

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