Bangladesh Crisis — Rahul Gandhi-Led Oppn Extends ‘Complete Support’ To India’s Foreign Policy: Report

Opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, extended complete support to India's foreign policy regarding the Bangladesh crisis. EAM S. Jaishankar briefed the political party leaders in Parliament House.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar briefed the political party leaders in Parliament House on Tuesday about the ongoing developments in Bangladesh.

Source : X/@DrSJaishankar

In an all-party meeting convened to address the unfolding crisis in Bangladesh, leaders from the Opposition, including Rahul Gandhi, expressed complete support for India's foreign policy, according to a report. The leaders appreciated the Centre's concern over the developing situation, it stated. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar briefed the political party leaders in Parliament House, revealing that India has assured help to former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who arrived in India on Monday evening. 

According to government sources cited by News 18's report, the Opposition leaders were “completely supportive of India’s foreign policy”. "There could be a number of political players whose role could be prominent in what happened in Bangladesh. But beyond that, it is really difficult to know about the situation at this time," the government reportedly told the leaders, as per the report.

Responding to questions from various leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, Jaishankar did not rule out the role of foreign governments in the unrest but noted that the situation remains fluid. He emphasised that the government is actively monitoring the evolving circumstances. Gandhi had raised concerns about potential foreign involvement in fuelling the crisis in Bangladesh.

Jaishankar highlighted that properties and households belonging to minorities were targeted by protestors. "Sheikh Hasina is in a state of shock, and the government is giving her time to recover before discussing her future plans," he mentioned, news agency PTI reported citing sources. The External Affairs Minister also made a statement on the issue in the Rajya Sabha and the Lok Sabha.

"India has spoken to the Bangladesh Army Chief to ensure the safety of over 10,000 Indian students in that country," Jaishankar stated, according to PTI sources.

Bangladesh Crisis: EAM S Jaishankar Appreciates 'Unanimous Support' Extended At All-Party Meeting

The meeting saw full cooperation from various leaders. Jaishankar later posted on X, "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

Congress leader Karti Chidambaram, who was not present at the meeting, told PTI, "The Congress party is fully with the government as far as national security and national interest are concerned."

Bangladesh has plunged into uncertainty following extraordinary street protests over job quotas, leading to Sheikh Hasina's resignation and flight from the country. The all-party meeting was attended by key figures including Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Home Minister Amit Shah, Health Minister J.P. Nadda, JD(U) leader and Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh 'Lalan', JD(S) leader and Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy, DMK leader T.R. Baalu, SP leader Ram Gopal Yadav, Trinamool leader Sudip Bandopadhyay, and NCP leader Supriya Sule, among others.