India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr. S Jaishankar, has expressed concern over the current situation in Bangladesh, where protests against the government have escalated into violent unrest. He stated on Tuesday that an estimated 19,000 Indian nationals, including 9,000 students, are in Bangladesh, and the Indian government is actively monitoring their well-being through its diplomatic missions. Dr. Jaishankar emphasized that India will remain deeply concerned until law and order is restored in Bangladesh. He assured that India is in close and continuous contact with the Indian community there, particularly the students, who have been significantly impacted by the unrest. He noted that the majority of the students returned to India in July but that the government remains attentive to the situation. The MEA minister also mentioned that the government is closely monitoring the status of minorities in Bangladesh, acknowledging reports of initiatives by various groups and organizations to ensure their protection and well-being. Dr. Jaishankar emphasized the Indian government’s proactive measures to ensure the safety of its citizens in Bangladesh. He stated that the border guarding forces have been instructed to remain exceptionally vigilant in light of the complex situation. He further confirmed that the Indian authorities have been in communication with authorities in Dhaka over the past 24 hours. The escalation of unrest in Bangladesh coincides with the dissolution of parliament by President Mohammed Shahabuddin, paving the way for new elections. This decision follows weeks of demonstrations against the government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, leading to her resignation and subsequent flight from the country. Following these developments, President Shahabuddin ordered the release of opposition leader Khaleda Zia from house arrest. Zia, a long-time rival of the ousted Hasina, was convicted on corruption charges by Hasina’s government in 2018. The president and Bangladesh’s top military commander have announced that an interim government will soon be formed to oversee the new elections. Hasina’s flight to India by helicopter on Monday was prompted by protesters defying military curfew orders to march on the capital. Thousands of demonstrators eventually stormed her official residence and other buildings associated with her party and family.
