Sheikh Hasina Decided To Resign After Security Meeting, Arrived In India On Short Notice: Jaishankar

External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar stated on Wednesday that India is maintaining regular contact with Bangladeshi authorities amid the ongoing political turmoil in the country following Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's resignation and subsequent departure.

In his remarks to the Rajya Sabha, Jaishankar said, "Over the past 24 hours, we have been continuously engaging with officials in Dhaka. This is the current state of affairs. I seek the House's understanding and support on this sensitive issue concerning an important neighbor, with which there has always been a strong national consensus."

Speaking on the situation in Bangladesh, External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar said, "Our understanding is that after a meeting with leaders of security establishments, PM Sheikh Hasina apparently made the decision to resign. At very short notice, she requested approval to come for the moment to India. She arrived yesterday evening in Delhi."

Jaishankar also noted that the Indian government is closely monitoring the situation regarding minorities in Bangladesh, where reports indicate attacks and vandalism at Hindu temples amid the unrest. "Various groups and organizations are taking steps to ensure the protection and well-being of minorities, which we welcome. However, we remain deeply concerned until law and order are visibly restored. Our border forces have been instructed to remain exceptionally alert given the complex situation," he said.

Regarding Sheikh Hasina's departure from Dhaka on August 5, Jaishankar explained, "Demonstrators gathered in Dhaka despite the curfew. After a meeting with security leaders, Prime Minister Hasina decided to resign. She requested approval to come to India at very short notice, and we simultaneously received a request for flight clearance from Bangladesh authorities. She arrived in Delhi yesterday evening."

Jaishankar assured the House that the government is in constant contact with the Indian community in Bangladesh through its diplomatic missions. "There are approximately 19,000 Indian nationals in Bangladesh, including about 9,000 students. Most students have already returned to India in July on the advice of the High Commission."

He added, "In addition to the High Commission in Dhaka, we have Assistant High Commissions in Chittagong, Rajshahi, Khulna, and Sylhet. We expect the host government to ensure security for these establishments and look forward to their normal functioning once the situation stabilizes."