EAM Jaishankar Briefs On Sheikh Hasina's Emergency Flight To Delhi: ‘At Very Short Notice, She Requested…’

EAM S Jaishankar addressed the Rajya Sabha on the Bangladesh crisis. He detailed the recent violence and instability in Bangladesh, leading to the arrival of former PM Sheikh Hasina in India.

File Photo of former Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina and Prime Minister Narendra Modi

Source : PTI

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar addressed the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday, detailing recent developments in Bangladesh, including the arrival of the country's former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in India. He highlighted the deep-rooted and exceptional relationship between India and Bangladesh and expressed shared concerns over the recent violence and instability in the neighbouring country.

Explaining the situation leading up to her flight clearance, Jaishankar explained that the political landscape in Bangladesh has been fraught with tension since the January 2024 election, which has resulted in deep divides and growing polarisation. This situation was further exacerbated by student agitations in June, leading to widespread violence, including attacks on public buildings, infrastructure, and obstructions in traffic and rail services. Despite a Supreme Court judgement on 21 July, the unrest continued, with protestors demanding Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's resignation.

Jaishankar stated, "The agitation at this stage coalesced around a one-point agenda, that is that the Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina should step down."

On 4 August, the situation escalated significantly with intensified attacks on police and government installations. Properties of individuals associated with the regime were torched, and minorities, their businesses, and temples came under attack across multiple locations.

Suo-moto statement in Rajyasabha on the situation in Bangladesh. https://t.co/ceM41AEATE

— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) August 6, 2024

Jaishankar detailed, "On 4th August, events took a very serious turn. Attacks on police, including police stations and government installations, intensified even as overall levels of violence greatly escalated. Properties of individuals associated with the regime were torched across the country. What was particularly worrying was that minorities, their businesses and temples also came under attack at multiple locations."

On 5 August, despite a curfew, demonstrators converged in Dhaka. "Our understanding is that after a meeting with leaders of the security establishment, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina apparently made the decision to resign. At very short notice, she requested approval to come for the moment to India. We simultaneously received a request for flight clearance from Bangladesh authorities. She arrived yesterday evening in Delhi," the minister stated.

"The situation in Bangladesh is still evolving," he noted. "The Army Chief, General Waker-uz-Zaman, addressed the nation on 5th August. He spoke about assuming responsibility and constituting an interim government."

Indian Govt Monitoring Situation With Regard To Status Of Minorities: EAM S Jaishankar

The Indian government is closely monitoring the situation, ensuring the safety of approximately 19,000 Indian nationals in Bangladesh, including 9,000 students, most of whom have already returned to India on the advice of the High Commission. In addition to the High Commission in Dhaka, India has Assistant High Commissions in Chittagong, Rajshahi, Khulna, and Sylhet. The expectation is that the host government will provide necessary security for these establishments. 

Jaishankar also mentioned ongoing initiatives by various groups to protect minorities and assured that India's border guarding forces remain exceptionally alert. "We are also monitoring the situation with regard to the status of minorities. There are reports of initiatives by various groups and organisations to ensure their protection and well-being. We welcome that, but will naturally remain deeply concerned till law and order is visibly restored."