India expresses 'deep concern' on B'desh crisis, says monitoring status of minorities

AT AN ALL-PARTY MEET, JAISHANKAR SAYS HASINA IN SHOCK, GOVT GIVING HER TIME BEFORE SPEAKING TO HER

- VINAY KUMAR & SIMONTINI BHATTACHARJEE

India is closely monitoring the situation in Bangladesh following the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina amidst escalating violence and political instability. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar informed Parliament on Tuesday about the government's actions and ongoing vigilance regarding the safety of the Indian community and the protection of minorities in Bangladesh.

Jaishankar said that the Indian government is maintaining consistent communication with officials in Dhaka to stay informed about the situation.

In his suo-motu statements to the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha, Jaishankar underlined that India remains "deeply concerned" until law and order are restored in Bangladesh. "India's primary concern is the safety of its citizens in Bangladesh.

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, of which about 9,000 are students," he said.

The majority of these students returned to India in July on the advice of the High Commission.

"India expects the host government to provide therequired security protection for its diplomatic missions in Bangladesh, which include the High Commission in Dhaka and Assistant High Commissions in Chittagong, Rajshahi, Khulna, and Sylhet," he added.

The minister also informed the Parliament that the Indian government is also closely monitoring the situation regarding the status of minorities in Bangladesh.

"While there are reports of initiatives by various groups and organisations to ensure their protection and wellbeing, India remains deeply concerned until law and order is visibly restored," he said.

Additionally, India's border security forces have been instructed to remain on high alert. Continuous communication is being maintained with the authorities in Dhaka as the situation evolves.