Bengal On Alert, CM Appeals For Calm

The long-drawn unrest in neighbouring Bangladesh and the resignation and flight of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, along with her younger sister Sheikh Rehana, sparked a flurry of activities in West Bengal.

- SUPROTIM MUKHERJEE

While the Army has been put on high alert, the Border Security Force put in place additional measures to make the Indo-Bangla border impregnable.

Meanwhile, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who had faced severe criticism for commenting on Bangladesh from her party’s Martyr’s Day rally, chose to be diplomatic about the happenings in the neighbouring country. On July 21, at her party’s rally, she had said that if someone from Bangladesh wanted to come to this country after losing everything, then assistance would be given to him/her. Banerjee’s statement had drawn strong protest from the Government of Bangladesh and was also criticised across India. This time, however, Mamata has given a cautious response without sparking any controversy.

Today, the Chief Minister appealed to people of the State to remain calm and refrain from making “provocative comments”. She also pointed out that the entire issue pertains to the Centre and asserted that the State Government would abide by the decisions taken by the Government of India in this matter.