External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, during an all-party meeting on August 6, stated that India has assured assistance to former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who arrived in India on Monday evening. Jaishankar informed the meeting that Hasina is being given time to decide her future course of action.
India’s Support for Sheikh Hasina
- Assurance of Help: Jaishankar conveyed India’s commitment to supporting Sheikh Hasina during the current unrest in Bangladesh. He emphasized that the Indian government is providing her with time to recover and make decisions regarding her future.
- Suo Moto Statement: The Union Minister is scheduled to make a detailed statement on the situation in Bangladesh in the Lok Sabha at 3:30 p.m. today.
Concerns Over Foreign Involvement
- Potential Foreign Influence: Responding to questions, including from Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, Jaishankar did not dismiss the possibility of foreign governments being involved in the unrest in Bangladesh. He described the situation as fluid and assured that the Indian government is closely monitoring the developments.
- Targeting of Minorities: Jaishankar highlighted that households and properties belonging to minorities in Bangladesh have been targeted by protestors, indicating the severity of the situation.
State of Shock
- Hasina’s Condition: Jaishankar noted that Hasina is in a state of shock and that it has been less than 24 hours since her arrival in India. The Indian government is allowing her time to recover before discussing various issues and her future plans.
All-Party Meeting
- Briefing in Parliament: Jaishankar briefed the all-party meeting in Parliament about the ongoing developments in Bangladesh. He expressed appreciation for the unanimous support and understanding extended by the members. He posted on X (formerly Twitter), “Briefed an All-Party meeting in Parliament today about the ongoing developments in Bangladesh. Appreciate the unanimous support and understanding that was 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