EAM Jaishankar: Minorities, Businesses, Temples Targeted In Bangladesh Violence

In a suo-motu statement in the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar expressed India’s deep concern over the attacks on minorities, their businesses, and temples in Bangladesh. Jaishankar’s comments followed Sheikh Hasina’s resignation as Prime Minister and her arrival in India after widespread violence in Dhaka and other areas.

Jaishankar reported that properties linked to the regime were set ablaze across Bangladesh. He highlighted the troubling attacks on minorities, their businesses, and temples, noting that the full extent of the violence remains unclear. He detailed the situation since August 4, when conditions in Bangladesh worsened significantly.

The EAM stated that the Indian government remains in “regular touch” with Dhaka’s authorities. New Delhi expects the Bangladeshi government to ensure security for Indian establishments and protect minorities. He emphasized the historically “exceptionally close” India-Bangladesh relations and expressed hope for “normal functioning” once the situation stabilizes.

Describing the issue as “sensitive,” Jaishankar sought the House’s understanding and support regarding Bangladesh, an important neighbor with a longstanding national consensus. He noted that concerns about the violence and instability in Bangladesh are shared across the political spectrum.

Jaishankar traced the tensions back to the January 2024 elections, which intensified existing political divides and led to a student agitation starting in June. The violence included attacks on public buildings and infrastructure, and disruptions to traffic and rail services. Despite repeated calls for restraint and dialogue from India, the situation continued to escalate, culminating in demands for Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s resignation.

On Monday, Jaishankar reported that demonstrators gathered in Dhaka despite a curfew. Following a meeting with security leaders, Hasina decided to resign and requested to come to India. She arrived in Delhi on Monday evening after receiving flight clearance from Bangladesh authorities.

Jaishankar noted that the situation in Bangladesh remains “still evolving,” with the Army chief’s recent announcement about taking responsibility and forming an interim government. He assured the House that the Indian government is maintaining close contact with the Indian community in Bangladesh through its diplomatic missions.

There are about 19,000 Indian nationals in Bangladesh, including 9,000 students, most of whom returned to India in July on advice from the High Commission. The Indian government expects the Bangladeshi authorities to ensure the security of its diplomatic missions, which include the High Commission in Dhaka and Assistant High Commissions in Chittagong, Rajshahi, Khulna, and Sylhet.

Before concluding, Jaishankar assured the House that the Indian government is closely monitoring the situation concerning minorities in Bangladesh. He welcomed efforts by various groups to protect minorities but stressed that India will remain concerned until law and order are visibly restored. The Indian border guarding forces have been instructed to stay exceptionally alert.

Jaishankar also briefed an all-party meeting earlier in the day about the developments in Bangladesh and expressed appreciation for the unanimous support and understanding received from the Parliament.