Jaishankar speaks with UK Foreign Secretary amid Sheikh Hasina’s asylum buzz

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has spoken with UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy on the developments in Bangladesh.

Which saw the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government amid violent protests, the MEA said on Thursday. The development comes amid speculation that Hasina, who is presently in India, was seeking political asylum in the UK.

“The External Affairs Minister had a conversation with the Foreign Secretary David Lammy just a few hours back. The two leaders spoke about the developments in Bangladesh and West Asia,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said at a media briefing.

So far, neither the Indian government nor the UK has commented on Hasina’s future plans. UK Home Office sources told PTI that the country’s immigration rules don’t specifically allow individuals to travel to the UK to seek asylum.

Speaking in Parliament earlier this week, Jaishankar made it clear that Hasina had sought approval to come to India only “for the moment”.

Hasina reportedly plans to travel to London where her sister Sheikh Rehana’s daughter, Tulip Siddiq, is a member of the British Parliament.

MEA ON MINORITIES IN BANGLADESH
Bangladesh plunged into chaos after a controversial quota system for government jobs saw vociferous street protests and violence, leaving over 550 dead and hundreds more injured. After the fall of the Hasina government, widespread looting and rioting has been reported in the neighbouring country.

Of particular concern for India has been attacks on houses and temples of the Hindus in Bangladesh. Speaking on the issue, the MEA spokesperson said various initiatives have been taken by groups and organisations in Bangladesh to ensure the protection and well-being of minorities.

“We are also monitoring the situation regarding the status of the minorities. 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.

The MEA said around 10,000 Indians presently remain in Bangladesh and several of them have reached out to the High Commission to return to India.

“The High Commission in Dhaka and other assistant high commissions are assisting them to return to India. Several of them have reached out,” Jaiswal said.

Apart from the High Commission in Dhaka, India has consulates in Chittagong, Rajshahi, Khulna and Sylhet. The MEA official asserted that it was in touch with the authorities in Bangladesh for the safety of its missions and diplomats.