In the wake of the coup in Bangladesh, the Modi government has called for an all-party meeting. The discussion centered around India's strategy in light of the deteriorating conditions in the neighboring country. Congress MP and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, was also present at the meeting.
Sources indicate that opposition leaders expressed their support for the government on this issue during the all-party meeting. Rahul Gandhi stated that both medium and long-term strategies are necessary. Meanwhile, Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar mentioned that the situation is currently fluid and developing.
India in Contact with Bangladesh Army
During the meeting, when discussions arose about anti-India sentiment in Bangladesh, sources revealed that while some locations have shown such sentiments, India will deal with whichever government comes to power in Bangladesh. It was also mentioned that India is in continuous touch with the Bangladeshi army, and there is no cause for concern at the border. Further developments will be shared as they come.
External Influence Behind the Violence?
Sources noted that Rahul Gandhi questioned whether there was any external influence behind the situation in Bangladesh. It was clarified that it would be premature to attribute the upheaval to external forces at this stage. However, a Pakistani general had changed his social media display picture to show support for the ongoing unrest in Bangladesh. Despite this, it is still too soon to draw definitive conclusions.
Advisory Prompted 8,000 Students to Return
In the all-party meeting, it was conveyed that there were about 20,000 Indians in Bangladesh, most of whom were students. Following the deterioration of conditions, the Indian government issued an advisory, leading to 8,000 students returning to India. However, 12,000 Indians remain in the country. Regarding Sheikh Hasina, it was suggested that she should be given some time and space to decide her next course of action.
Protesters Demanded Hasina's Resignation
For context, students in Bangladesh were protesting against reservations. Although the Sheikh Hasina government accepted their demands, the protests continued, with demonstrators demanding her resignation. Amid increasing violence, Sheikh Hasina resigned on August 5 and relocated to India’s Hindon Airbase. She has been kept in a safe house since then.
