Bangladesh situation not that dire to warrant evacuation of Indians: Jaishankar

Bangladesh Crisis: According to sources, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar stated on Tuesday that the situation in Bangladesh was not so dire as to necessitate the 12,000–13,000 Indians living in the violent nation’s departure. Speaking at a Parliamentary all-party meeting, Jaishankar stated that the government was closely monitoring the situation in Bangladesh in the wake of the overthrow of the Sheikh Hasina-led administration due to anti-government demonstrations that claimed over 300 lives.

Today, in the midst of violent protests, Foreign Minister S Jaishankar presided over an all-party conference to examine the overthrow of the Sheikh Hasina administration and the Army’s takeover in neighbouring Bangladesh.

The leaders of all parties were briefed by EAM Jaishankar on the state of affairs in the country plagued by violence and the actions implemented by the Indian government.

In addition to S Jaishankar, the meeting was attended by Ministers of Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and Home Minister Amit Shah. Yesterday, Sheikh Hasina announced her resignation and left the nation amid demands from sizable groups of irate demonstrators.

General Waker-Uz-Zaman, the head of the Army, announced shortly after Ms. Hasina’s resignation that the armed forces would establish a “interim government” and asked demonstrators to disperse.

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Last evening, Ms. Hasina touched down at the Hindon Air Force base in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, which is 30 kilometers from Delhi. Ajit Doval, the National Security Advisor, greeted her. Speaking with S Jaishankar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed the violence in Bangladesh’s neighbour, where over 300 people have perished thus far. Whether Mr. Modi will meet Mrs. Hasina is yet unknown.

Later, sources said, Sheikh Hasina is anticipated to depart for London, where she might apply for political asylum. Across the 4,096 km border between India and Bangladesh, the Border Security Force is on full alert, with field commanders instructed to adopt “on ground” positions and be ready for anything.

Sheikh Hasina left the nation after further confrontations on Sunday claimed around 300 lives. Sheikh Hasina had attempted to put an end to widespread protests against her government.

The demonstrations over civil service job quotas that started last month turned into some of the most violent protests during Prime Minister Hasina’s 15-year tenure and expanded into broader calls for the 76-year-old’s resignation.

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