New Delhi, July 26, 2024 – India has received a formal diplomatic communication from the Bangladesh government objecting to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s remarks about providing shelter to Bangladeshi citizens fleeing the neighboring country amid violent protests. Banerjee’s comments, made last weekend, have sparked diplomatic tensions between India and Bangladesh.
Diplomatic Note from Bangladesh: Bangladesh Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud confirmed on Wednesday that a diplomatic note had been sent to the Indian government protesting Banerjee’s comments. “We have received a diplomatic note from the Bangladeshi side protesting the comments made by the Chief Minister of West Bengal. It is essentially on the lines that you may have seen in the [media] reports,” said Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the External Affairs Ministry.
Central Government’s Response: The Central government emphasized that matters related to foreign affairs are the sole prerogative of the Union government, according to the 7th Schedule of the Constitution. Jaiswal reiterated, “The conduct of foreign affairs and all matters which bring the Union into relation with any foreign country are the sole prerogatives of the Union government.”
Situation in Bangladesh: The protests in Bangladesh, triggered by opposition to government job quotas, have resulted in over 150 deaths and hundreds of injuries. India has facilitated the safe return of more than 6,700 Indian students from Bangladesh, with the Indian High Commission in Dhaka arranging their travel to border crossing points and airports.
Mamata Banerjee’s Remarks: On July 21, Banerjee stated at a rally in Kolkata, “If helpless people come knocking on the doors of [West] Bengal, we will surely provide them shelter.” Her comments were not well-received by either the Central government or the Bangladeshi administration.
Bangladesh’s Response: Bangladesh Foreign Minister Mahmud acknowledged the excellent relations with Banerjee but expressed concerns about the confusion and potential for misunderstanding caused by her remarks. “With due respect to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, I would like to say we have excellent relations with her… But her remarks created confusion to some extent, and there is scope [for people] to be misled,” Mahmud said.
Conclusion: The Indian government continues to closely monitor the situation in Bangladesh, maintaining that it is an internal matter for the neighboring country. The Indian mission in Dhaka and four assistant high commissions will continue to assist Indian citizens in need.
For more updates on this developing story, visit Sarhind Times.
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