New Delhi (TIP)- The Indian government is not in a rush to ask former Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina to leave India, Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), said, adding, “We are waiting for her to take an appropriate decision.”
It is learnt that Hasina is considering several options, including the UAE, Belarus, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Finland, for taking refuge. Jaiswal said, “The EAM made it clear in Parliament that we allowed Hasina in at a short notice. he situation is evolving. It would not be appropriate to comment on her future plans. It is for her to devise her plans.”
Jaiswal was replying to a question on how long India hoped to let Hasina stay as the same would not be liked by the new government in Bangladesh. On the resumption of ties with Dhaka, Jaiswal said, “Let us wait for the interim government to take charge. It is an evolving situation. It is thus premature to comment.” With regard to the status of minorities in Bangladesh, Jaiswal cited what EAM S Jaishankar told Parliament, “We hope law and order is restored. We are in talks with the authorities with regards to Indians living there.”
Meanwhile, Jaishankar today discussed the unfolding situation in Bangladesh with his British counterpart David Lammy in a telephonic conversation. “Received a call from UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy today. Discussed the situation in Bangladesh and West Asia,” Jaishankar posted on X.
The discussion came against the backdrop of Hasina’s initial plan to seek asylum in the UK. As per the UK’s immigration rules, it is not possible to apply for asylum from outside the country and each asylum claim is carefully considered on its individual merits on a case-by-case basis.
Meanwhile, the BSF said 17 Indian workers stranded in Bangladesh were brought back safely. The men were employed by Afcons Infrastructure Pvt Ltd for construction of a road in Bangladesh.