Hours after Sheikh Hasina's resignation as Bangladesh Prime Minister and the army taking control over the country, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has appealed to the people in the state to maintain peace and not pay attention to any kind of rumours.
Declining to comment on developments in Bangladesh, the chief minister said it is a matter for the Ministry of External Affairs to respond. Mamata said that the state government will support any decision taken by the Central government.
"I would appeal to all citizens of West Bengal to maintain peace and avoid all forms of provocation. Do not pay attention to any kind of rumours. This is a matter between two countries, we will support whatever decision the Central government takes," Mamata Banerjee said.
The statement comes amid reports that Sheikh Hasina is heading for New Delhi and is likely to stay in India overnight before heading for Europe.
Meanwhile, the Indian Railways had cancelled all train services including Kolkata-Dhaka-Kolkata Maitri Express train to Bangladesh from July 19 till August 6.
Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday resigned and left the country, several news reports said, amid massive protests against her government that claimed more than 106 lives in the last two days.
She arriven in the Hindon airport after India decided to provide a safe passage through the Indian airspace to Hasina's aircraft following a request from Dhaka, sources told PTI.
Indian government sources said New Delhi is closely following the fast-paced developments in Dhaka. There is no reaction yet from India on the unfolding developments in Bangladesh.
In Dhaka, Bangladesh Army Chief General Waqar-uz-Zaman said Hasina has resigned and an interim government is taking over the responsibilities. "I'm taking all responsibility (of the country). Please cooperate," he said in a televised address.
