EAM Jaishankar to Address Parliament on Bangladesh Crisis Today

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla announced on Tuesday that External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar would address the lower house of Parliament regarding the situation in Bangladesh. Jaishankar is scheduled to make a suo moto statement at 3:30 pm in the Lok Sabha and at 2:30 pm in the Rajya Sabha.

Earlier in the day, Jaishankar chaired an all-party meeting in Parliament, briefing leaders on the current developments in Bangladesh and the prevailing situation in the neighboring country. During this meeting, Jaishankar mentioned that Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had moved to India and that the Indian government would support her while she decides her next steps.

Jaishankar took to X (formerly Twitter) to state, “Briefed an All-Party meeting in Parliament today about the ongoing developments in Bangladesh. Appreciate the unanimous support and understanding that was extended.”

He also informed the leaders that the central government was in contact with the Bangladesh Army. He emphasized that the situation is fluid and assured that the government would take appropriate action at the right time.

According to sources, there are 20,000 Indian nationals in Bangladesh, and 8,000 have already returned. Jaishankar confirmed that the Indian government remains in contact with these nationals, and the High Commission in Bangladesh continues to operate. The leaders were also informed that the focus is on protecting minorities in Bangladesh.

During the all-party meeting, Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, inquired about India’s long-term and short-term strategy. The government responded that they would continue to analyze the evolving situation. Gandhi also questioned the potential involvement of foreign entities, to which the central government assured that all angles were being considered. After being briefed, Gandhi expressed his support for the government’s measures taken in the national interest.

Bangladesh is currently experiencing a fluid political situation, with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigning amid mounting protests, primarily led by students demanding an end to the quota system for government jobs. These protests have evolved into broader anti-government demonstrations.

In Dhaka, the leaders of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement have proposed an interim government led by Nobel Laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus to address the ongoing challenges in Bangladesh. Meanwhile, Sheikh Hasina arrived in India on Monday evening after resigning. It remains unclear whether she will stay in Delhi or move to another location.