New Delhi: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar addressed an all-party meeting in Parliament on Tuesday to discuss the fall of Sheikh Hasina government and the Army’s takeover in neighbouring Bangladesh amid violent protests.
S Jaishankar later wrote on his X account that all the parties extended their support to the government in riding over the crisis.
“Briefed an All-Party meeting in Parliament today about the ongoing developments in Bangladesh. Appreciate the unanimous support and understanding that was extended,” Jaishankar stated.
At the all-party meeting, Jaishankar said the government was keeping a close watch on the situation in Bangladesh following the fall of the Sheikh Hasina-led government over anti-government protests that have killed more than 300 people.
The meeting was attended by all NDA allies and most opposition parties, including leaders of the opposition in both the Houses, Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge.
The union minister said around 8,000 Indians, mostly students, had returned to India in the wake of the protests over a controversial quota system for government jobs.
He also briefed the leaders of all parties about the steps taken by the Indian government to address the potential security, economic, and diplomatic repercussions of the situation.
“It’s a prevailing situation. The government will take appropriate action at the right time,” Jaishankar reportedly told the MPs.
He said they want to give time to ex-Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina to let the Centre know about her future course of action.
He also said that the government is in touch with the Bangladeshi Army – which is set to form an interim government after – to ensure the safety of the Indian nationals and the minorities in the neighbouring state.
Besides S Jaishankar, Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju also attended the meeting.
