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- By Nidhi Giri
- Tue, 06 Aug 2024 01:01 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
While addressing an all-party meeting convened by the Centre on the Bangladesh crisis on Tuesday morning, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar responded to Leader of Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi’s query regarding the involvement of foreign powers, specifically Pakistan, in the developments in Dhaka over the past few weeks that resulted in ex-PM Sheikh Hasina’s resignation. The foreign minister stated that it was too early to say anything about foreign conspiracy, however noted that a Pakistani diplomat had changed profile picture on his social media handle to support the agitation in Bangladesh.
“It is too early to rule in or rule out anything, but a Pakistani diplomat did change his social media profile picture to support the agitation in Bangladesh,” Jaishankar added.
Jaishankar also briefed the MPs at the Parliament complex on the ongoing crisis in the neighbouring country, he said the Centre was monitoring all kinds of possibilities.
Jaishankar said that Sheikh Hasina was in India and the Indian government wanted to give her time to let the Indian government know what her future course of action would be.
“Briefed an All-Party meeting in Parliament today about the ongoing developments in Bangladesh. Appreciate the unanimous support and understanding that was extended,” S Jaishankar posted on his social media platform X.
Bangladesh Crisis
Sheikh Hasina resigned from the post of prime minister on Monday in the wake of mounting protests in Bangladesh and landed at the Hindon Air Base near New Delhi in a C-130 Hercules military transport aircraft.
With police firings, mob beatings, and arson across the country, at least 135 people were killed in Bangladesh on Monday during unrest, according to Dhaka Tribune. The country announced on Monday that the clashes between demonstrators and members of the Awami League claimed the lives of at least 96 people in police firings.
As the situation in Bangladesh remains tensed, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy has called for a "full and independent UN-led investigation into the events", said an official statement. Lammy also stressed the need to work together to end the violence, restore calm, de-escalate the situation and prevent any further loss of life. Notably, Hasina is currently seeking asylum in the UK, with her sister Rehana, a UK citizen, accompanying her.
BSF On High Alert Along India-Bangladesh International Borders
The Border Security Force (BSF) has been put on high alert along the India-Bangladesh international borders in West Bengal. The newly-appointed Director General (DG) of BSF, Daljit Singh Chaudhury, who had already reached Kolkata on Monday, has reviewed the situation and spoken to the top officials of the force in its Eastern Command. The DG of the central force is slated to visit the Benapole-Petrapole India Bangladesh India-Bangladesh International Border in North 24 Parganas district of West Bengal.
"Given the current situation in neighbouring Bangladesh, we have noticed a few posts and videos on social media that may create discord and unrest. Please do not pay attention to rumours, do not share provocative videos, do not step into a fake news trap. The state administration is alert and vigilant. Keep calm and maintain peace," the advisory issued by West Bengal Police read.
