The government is monitoring the situation in Bangladesh and remains concerned about the situation of minorities till the law and order is visibly restored, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Thursday.
MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, while addressing the weekly press briefing, said that the Indian High Commission is likely to participate in the swearing-in ceremony of the New interim government in Bangladesh.
Speaking on the attacks on the minorities in Bangladesh, Jaiswal said, "This issue was addressed by the External Affairs Minister in his suo moto statement. We are also monitoring the situation, about the status of the minorities. There are also reports that various initiatives have been taken by groups and organizations to ensure the protection and well-being of minorities."
He reiterated External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar's remarks that India will remain deeply concerned on the issue till the law and order is visibly restored.
"We also want to make it clear that it is the responsibility of every government to ensure the well-being of all its citizens. We hope for an early restoration of law and order in Bangladesh. This is both in the interest of the country and for the larger region as a whole," Jaiswal said.
The MEA spokesperson said that it is up to Sheikh Hasina to “take things forward” regarding her future plans and added that it had no update on the matter.
“Our External Affairs Minister has already explained that the approval for former PM Sheikh Hasina to come to India was given at short notice. The situation is still evolving as far as Bangladesh is concerned. It would not be appropriate to talk about her plans,” Jaiswal said.
He also said that External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has spoken with UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy on the developments in Bangladesh. The development comes even as there are speculation that Sheikh Hasina, who is presently in India, was seeking political asylum in the UK.
"The External Affairs Minister had a conversation with the Foreign Secretary David Lammy just a few hours back. The two leaders spoke about the developments in Bangladesh and West Asia," the MEA spokesperson said.
He further said that the situation in Bangladesh is evolving and added that for India and the government, the interest of the people of Bangladesh is foremost.
"The situation is evolving. It has been reported that this evening there will be a swearing-in of the interim government. Once, those things take place, I would like to emphasise one thing, for the government and the people of India, the interest of the people of Bangladesh is foremost in our minds," he said.