India has said they do not have an update on former prime minister Sheikh Hasina’s plans and it would not be appropriate at this point in time to comment on her plans.
“As far as former prime minister Sheikh Hasina is concerned, I told you that we don't have an update on her plans. It is for her to take things forward,” official spokesperson of the Indian Ministry of External Affairs Randhir Jaiswal told reporters in New Delhi.
Responding to a question on former PM Hasina during a weekly briefing, he said their External Affairs Minister Dr J Jaishankar has clearly stated in his suo motu statement in Parliament that the approval for former Prime Minister Hasina to come to India was given at a short notice.
“The situation as you know is still evolving as far as Bangladesh is concerned. It would not be appropriate for me at this point in time to comment on her plans,” Jaiswal said.
India expressed hope for early restoration of law and order in Bangladesh, noting that this is both in the interest of the country itself and the larger region.
“It is the responsibility of every government to ensure the well-being of all its citizens,” said Jaiswal.
On minority issues, he said they are very closely monitoring the situation and the External Affairs Minister also talked about it.
“We hope that… certain steps have been taken by groups and organizations and we have welcomed that but we want that the law and order situation in the country improves so that normal life can begin,” Jaiswal said.
He said they are engaged with authorities in Dhaka amid an evolving situation and as a close friend of the people of Bangladesh, it is their understanding that they want restoration of peace and stability in the country as soon as possible so that normal life can begin.
“We are closely monitoring the situation. We are in touch with them to ensure the safety and security of our Missions, of our personnel who are manning the Missions and also for the safety and security of Indian nationals,” Jaiswal said.
He said they have requested them to ensure safety and security of their nationals, High Commission and their personnel.
"It is our expectation that law and order will return to normalcy hopefully soon, so that normal transaction, normal life in the country can begin. Also, I would like to again emphasise that the interest of the people of Bangladesh is foremost for us," said the MEA spokesperson.
