Hope for early restoration of law and order; interests of people of Bangladesh foremost: India

New Delhi, Aug 8 (Agency) In its first comments on the situation in Bangladesh after the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government, India on Thursday said it hopes for the early restoration of law and order in the country and that as far as the Government of India and people are concerned “the interests of the people of Bangladesh is foremost in our minds”. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, answering questions on Bangladesh after the downfall of the Sheikh Hasina government on August 5, also declined to comment on the future plans of the former Bangladesh prime minister, who is staying in India after leaving her country, and is reported to have sought asylum in the UK. He said “The situation in Bangladesh is evolving. It is not appropriate to comment on former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s plans”.

Asked about the formation of an interim government in Bangladesh to be headed by Nobel Laureate Mohd Yunus that will be sworn-in on Thursday evening, the spokesperson said: “It has been reported that there will be swearing in of an interim government in Bangladesh; once it takes place, as far as the Government of India and people of India are concerned the interests of the people of Bangladesh is foremost in our minds.” “As a close friend of Bangladesh we would want for the government there to look after their people and work for their rights and also for the restoration of law and order,” he said. With regard to the status of minorities in Bangladesh, amid reports of violence being perpetrated on Hindus with their properties and homes being vandalised and women assaulted, he said: “We are closely monitoring the situation. There are also reports of various initiatives that have been taken by groups and organisations to ensure the well-being of the minorities.

I want to reiterate what EAM said in Parliament. We welcome these steps, but will naturally remain deeply concerned till law and order is visibly restored.” “We want to make it clear that it is the responsibility of every government to ensure the well-being of all its citizens. We hope for early restoration of law and order in Bangladesh. This is both in the interest of the country itself and for the region as a whole,” the MEA spokesperson said. Asked whether the Indian High Commission had been invited to the formation of the interim government, he said that the diplomatic community members have been invited to participate and it is likely that the Indian High Commission will participate at the swearing-in ceremony of the new interim government.