Professor Muhammad Yunus was sworn in as the head of Bangladesh’s Interim Government on Thursday, three days after Sheikh Hasina gave in to protestors and resigned as Prime Minister.
On the occasion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed his good wishes to the Nobel laureate and hoped “for an early return to normalcy, ensuring the safety and protection of Hindus and all other minority communities.” the PM further affirmed on X that “India remains committed to working with Bangladesh to fulfill the shared aspirations of both our peoples for peace, security and development.”
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge too extended best wishes to Prof Yunus and said that the Party sincerely hopes that normalcy and peace return in Bangladesh with whom we Indians share a historic relationship. “We pray for the safety of all the Bangladeshi people, including all the minorities,” Kharge added.
Congratulating Prof Yunus, Leader of Opposition (Lok Sabha), Rahul Gandhi, said that “A swift restoration of peace and normalcy is the need of the hour.”
Earlier on 6th August 2024, Union Minister of External Affairs, Dr. S Jaishankar told both Houses of the Parliament that the situation in Bangladesh was still evolving and that India is monitoring the situation with regards to the status of the minorities. He also said there are reports that various initiatives have been taken by groups and organizations to ensure the protection and well-being of the minorities and welcomed such steps till law and order is restored.
The Union Minister had also informed the Houses that there are 19,000 Indian nationals in Bangladesh, of which around 9,000 are students, the bulk of whom have returned back.
Interacting with media on Thursday, the Official Spokesperson of Ministry of External Affairs, Randhir Jaiswal said that India has called back the non-essential Indian staff members of the High Commission and their family members. He informed that the Embassy is assisting Indian nationals who want to come back and hoped that the security situation in the country improves soon so that normal life can begin and the High Commission and Assistant High Commission can function normally.
Jaiswal asserted that it is the responsibility of every government to ensure the well-being of all its citizens and added that early restoration of law and order in Bangladesh will be in the interest of the country itself and the larger region.
Further, the MEA Spokesperson said that “the approval for former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to come to India was given at a short notice” and that the Ministry has no knowledge about her plans. “It is for her to take things forward,” he said.
