New Delhi: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held discussions with UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy regarding the recent upheaval in Bangladesh, which has resulted in the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government following violent protests. The conversation, as reported by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday, comes amid rumors that Sheikh Hasina, currently in India, might be seeking political asylum in the UK.
"The External Affairs Minister had a conversation with Foreign Secretary David Lammy just a few hours back. The two leaders spoke about the developments in Bangladesh and West Asia," MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated during a media briefing. Neither the Indian nor the UK government has officially commented on Hasina's potential plans. However, sources from the UK Home Office indicated that the country's immigration rules do not specifically permit individuals to travel to the UK for the purpose of seeking asylum.
Earlier this week, speaking in Parliament, Jaishankar clarified that Hasina had requested to come to India only "for the moment." There are reports that Hasina may travel to London, where her sister Sheikh Rehana's daughter, Tulip Siddiq, serves as a member of the British Parliament. Bangladesh has descended into turmoil following a controversial quota system for government jobs, which ignited fierce street protests and violence. The unrest has led to over 550 deaths and hundreds of injuries. In the wake of Hasina's government collapse, widespread looting and rioting have been reported across the country.
India is particularly concerned about the attacks on Hindu homes and temples in Bangladesh. Addressing this issue, the MEA spokesperson mentioned that various groups and organizations in Bangladesh have initiated efforts to protect and support minorities. "We are closely monitoring the situation concerning the status of minorities. We also want to emphasize that it is the responsibility of every government to ensure the well-being of all its citizens. We hope for an early restoration of law and order in Bangladesh, which is crucial for the country's stability and the region as a whole," Jaiswal remarked.
The MEA also reported that approximately 10,000 Indians currently remain in Bangladesh, with many seeking assistance from the Indian High Commission to return home. "The High Commission in Dhaka and other assistant high commissions are actively helping those who wish to return to India. Several individuals have reached out for assistance," Jaiswal noted. India maintains consulates in Chittagong, Rajshahi, Khulna, and Sylhet, in addition to its High Commission in Dhaka. The MEA official emphasized that they are in constant communication with Bangladeshi authorities to ensure the safety of Indian missions and diplomats.
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