India Monitors Situation in Bangladesh, Ensures Safety of 19,000 Citizens

Amid the unrest in Bangladesh, India is in constant touch with Indian citizens there through its diplomats. About 19 thousand Indian citizens are currently in Bangladesh, including nine thousand students. In a statement on the situation in Bangladesh in the Rajya Sabha today, External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar said that a large number of students have returned to India last month on the advice of the Indian High Commission in Dhaka.

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Dr. Jaishankar said that the central government is monitoring the situation of minorities living there. There are reports of initiatives by various groups and organizations to ensure their safety and welfare. He said that India welcomes these initiatives, but it will remain concerned about this subject until law and order is restored. Dr. Jaishankar said that in view of the current situation, the Border Security Force has also been instructed to remain alert.

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He said that Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had decided to resign from her post after a meeting with the heads of security agencies. The External Affairs Minister also informed that Mrs Hasina had sought permission to travel to India and she arrived in Delhi yesterday evening.

Mr Jaishankar said that we have also been in regular touch with officials in Dhaka over the last 24 hours. He said that Bangladesh Army Chief General Waqar-uz-Zaman addressed the nation yesterday and talked about taking responsibility and forming an interim government.

On India’s diplomatic presence in Bangladesh, he informed that apart from the High Commission in Dhaka, there are Assistant High Commissions in Chittagong, Rajshahi, Khulna and Sylhet. He said that India expects the Bangladesh government to provide necessary security protection to these establishments and looks forward to normal functioning once the situation stabilises.