On Tuesday, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla announced that External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will address Parliament regarding the unfolding situation in Bangladesh. Birla informed the Lok Sabha that Jaishankar would present a suo moto statement at 3:30 PM. Additionally, the minister is scheduled to provide a statement on the situation in Bangladesh at 2:30 PM in the Rajya Sabha.
Earlier in the day, Jaishankar chaired an all-party meeting in Parliament to update leaders on the developments in Bangladesh. During the meeting, he discussed the current situation in the neighbouring country and the status of Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who has sought refuge in India.
Jaishankar assured that India would offer the necessary support to Sheikh Hasina and emphasised that the Indian government would wait for her to decide her future course of action.
In a statement on X, Jaishankar expressed gratitude for the support and understanding from the all-party meeting participants. He also mentioned that the central government has been in contact with the Bangladesh Army and would take appropriate action when necessary.
The all-party meeting was informed that there are approximately 20,000 Indian nationals currently in Bangladesh, with 8,000 already having returned to India. Jaishankar assured that the Indian government is in regular contact with its nationals and that the High Commission in Dhaka remains operational. The primary focus is on ensuring the safety of minorities in Bangladesh, as highlighted in the meeting.
Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi inquired about India’s strategies both in the short-term and long-term. The government responded that the situation is evolving and would be continuously assessed.
Gandhi also questioned the possibility of foreign involvement in the unrest, to which the government replied that all angles are being investigated. After receiving the briefing, Gandhi voiced his support for the government's measures aimed at national interest.
The political crisis in Bangladesh has intensified following Sheikh Hasina’s resignation amid widespread protests. The protests, primarily led by students, have called for an end to a quota system for government jobs, escalating into broader anti-government demonstrations.
In Dhaka, leaders of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement have proposed an interim government led by Nobel Laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus to address the country’s ongoing issues.
Sheikh Hasina arrived in India on Monday evening after resigning from her position. It remains uncertain whether she will remain in Delhi or relocate to another location in the future.
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