'You Should Be Prepared': Suvendu Adhikari Claims 1 Crore Hindu Refugees From Bangladesh To Arrive In Bengal

BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari raised concerns over the potential influx of one crore Hindu refugees into Bengal due to political turmoil, urging the govt to address the situation as per CAA provisions.

File photo of BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari.

Source : PTI Images

Amid the ongoing political turmoil in Bangladesh, BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari warned that around one crore Hindu refugees are expected to arrive in West Bengal. 

He urged the West Bengal government to to speak with the centre on the issue as the CAA states that India will provide refuge to those persecuted for their religion.

"You should be prepared as, within a few days, one crore Hindu refugees are expected to arrive in West Bengal. I will urge the Chief Minister and Governor of West Bengal to speak with the Government of India, as the CAA states that our country will provide refuge to those persecuted for their religion. If the situation is not controlled within three days, Bangladesh could fall into the hands of Jamaat and fundamentalists," the BJP Leader said, IANS reported.

West Bengal: "You should be prepared as, within a few days, one crore Hindu refugees are expected to arrive in West Bengal...I will urge the Chief Minister and Governor of West Bengal to speak with the Government of India, as the CAA states that our country will provide refuge to… pic.twitter.com/ODnTs1m6xI

— IANS (@ians_india) August 5, 2024

His remark came after Sheikh Hasina stepped down as Bangladesh Prime Minister earlier on Monday and fled from the country. The Bangladesh Army has currently taken over the power even as Army chief General Waqar-uz-Zaman is expected to lead the nation. 

Mamata Banerjee Urges Caution On Any Rumours

Hours after the resignation of Sheikh Hasina and the army taking control over the country, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee requested the people in the state to maintain peace and not pay attention to any kind of rumours.

Denying any comment on the developments in Bangladesh, she said that it is a matter for the Ministry of External Affairs to respond. Mamata stated that the state government is ready to 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, PTI reported.

In the meantime, from July 19 to August 6, all rail services, including the Kolkata-Dhaka-Kolkata Maitri Express train to Bangladesh, were cancelled by Indian Railways.

Political Crisis In Bangladesh

Bangladesh has been experiencing weeks of unrest as students protest against a quota for government jobs, escalating into a political crisis after Sheikh Hasina stepped down from the position of Prime Minister. 

Hasina who arrived in Delhi-NCR, aboard a C-130J Hercules aircraft, is likely to depart for London later. She will be in Delhi tonight at least and will be taken to a safe place, sources told ABP LIVE.

On Monday, thousands of protesters stormed her residence in Bangladesh after hearing reports of her resignation and departure. Additionally, the statue of her father, Sheikh Mujibur Rehman, was destroyed by the protesters.