Bangladesh Crisis: Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday sought to know the government's long-term plan to deal with the crisis in Bangladesh and ensure the safety of Indians in the neighbouring country. At the all-party meeting convened by the Centre on Tuesday, Rahul Gandhi also asked EAM Jaishankar if the Government of India was aware of of any foreign hand behind the Bangladesh crisis.
In response to this, the Foreign Minister said that the government is keeping an eye on the rapidly developing situation. EAM Jaishankar also told the all-party designation that a Pakistani diplomat had put up a display picture of the protests on social media. Information in this regard is also being gathered.
Rahul Gandhi further sought to know the Centre's plan of action with regard to the new government in post-Sheikh Hasina Bangladesh. The government, however, has put the onus on Sheikh Hasina to take her next decision.
The Opposition parties said that they are with the Centre on the Bangladesh crisis and will support the government's decision. "It is very worrying to see the kind of mayhem and violence in Bangladesh. Our primary concern is the safety of our citizens there, border security and what kind of future regime will come in Bangladesh... We are fully with the government as far as national security and interests are concerned. Government briefed us all in the morning," Congress MP Karti P Chidambaram said after the meeting.
RJD MP Manoj Jha said that the all-party meeting was important. "We should keep aside the popular social media narrative that the protests (in Bangladesh) were due to the quota issue. There are several layers of these protests and quota was one of the issues," he said. He further said that the last elections showed that democracy was being hurt. "There is a philosophy of extremism, too, and economic development was not widescale. I believe that our government must keep a close eye over the developments and that our border is secure and safe."
Independent Purnia MP Pappu Yadav said: "The situation is not good. Indira Gandhi comes to mind amid this situation. When we talk about sovereign culture, the safety of people, business, economy, and security of the country, our policy becomes important. When our neighbouring country becomes an enemy, then there is a problem with the policy. At this time, we need to take corrective steps. China was successful in keeping its eyes on Bangladesh. We need to be careful. India has always believed in 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbkam'. The main issue is that Bangladesh is losing interest in India with respect to trade. It is not good."