External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India does not have any update on when will former Bangladesh Chief Minister Sheikh Hasina leave the country. Speaking at the weekly media briefing on Thursday, August 8, Jaiswal said “We do not have any update on her plan.” Jaiswal said India is in touch with authorities in Bangladesh to ensure the safety and security of Indian missions, the personnel working there, and Indians residing in that country.
"We are also monitoring the situation, about the status of the minorities. There are also reports that various initiatives have been taken by groups and organizations to ensure the protection and well-being of minorities," MEA Spokesperson said.
"I would like to reiterate what EAM said in the Parliament, 'We welcome these steps, but will naturally remain deeply concerned till law and order is visibly restored'... We also 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 an early restoration of law and order in Bangladesh. This is both in the interest of the country and for the larger region as a whole," Jaiswal said.
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Jaiswal confirmed that there are four High Commissions in Dhaka to assist Indian nationals. "There are 4 more assistant High Commissions other than the High Commission. We are in constant touch with them for their and our nationals' safety there. We expect that law and order will improve as soon as possible so that our High Commission becomes functional again..."
Jaiswal said, "External Affairs Minister informed that there are 19,000 people in Bangladesh including 9000 students. The majority of them have come back. "The External Affairs Minister informed in a statement that there are 19,000 people in Bangladesh including 9000 students. The majority of them have come back. There are Indians who want to come back. Our High Commission is assisting them... The airlines are operating. Several people have reached out to our commission and high commission... As far as the staff working in the Indian High Commissioners are concerned, our non-essential staff and their family members have come back... Other embassies have also pulled back their non-essential people. We hope normalcy returns soon..."