In close and continuous touch with the Indian community in Bangladesh, says EAM Jaishankar
India is monitoring the situation with regard to the status of the minorities there, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar informed the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday (August 6, 2024), a day after former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina arrived at an air base near New Delhi. She had announced her resignation as Prime Minister earlier in the day amid widespread protests and violence against her continuation in office.
 
"What is particularly worrying is that minorities, businesses, and temples also came under attack at multiple locations. The full extent of this is still not clear," EAM Jaishankar said, referring to the violence that has rocked Bangladesh since mid-July and particularly over the past few days.
 
"We are monitoring the situation with regard to the status of minorities. There are reports of initiatives by various groups and organizations to ensure their protection and well-being. We welcome that, but will naturally remain deeply concerned till law and order is visibly restored," he stated. 
 
EAM Jaishankar made similar statements in both Houses of the Indian Parliament (Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha) regarding the current situation in Bangladesh and the background to the crisis in which the country finds itself today.
 
The number of Indian nationals in Bangladesh is estimated to be about 19,000, of which nearly 9,000 are students. Most of the students have already returned to India, through the land routes or via flights. 
 
"We are in close and continuous touch with the Indian community in Bangladesh through our missions there," EAM Jaishankar said. The border guarding forces have also been instructed to be exceptionally alert in view of this complex situation.
 
In addition to the High Commission in Dhaka, India has Assistant High Commissions in Chittagong, Rajshahi, Khulna and Sylhet. "It is our expectation that the host government will provide the required security protection for these establishments. We look forward to their normal functioning once the situation stabilizes," EAM Jaishankar said. 
 
Concluding his statement, he sought the "understanding and support of the House in regard to sensitive issues regarding an important neighbour on which there has always been strong national consensus".
 
India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued an advisory on Sunday (August 4, 2024), urging Indian nationals not to travel to Bangladesh in view of the protests and violence.
 
"In view of ongoing developments, Indian nationals are strongly advised against travelling to Bangladesh till further notice. All Indian nationals presently in Bangladesh are advised to exercise extreme caution, restrict their movements and remain in contact with the High Commission of India in Dhaka," the advisory said.
 
The MEA also shared Indian High Commission's emergency phone numbers: 
+8801958383679
+8801958383680
+8801937400591