New Delhi: Indias External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held discussions with UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy regarding the recent turmoil in Bangladesh, which led to the collapse of the Sheikh Hasina government amidst violent unrest, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced on Thursday. This conversation takes place amidst rumors that Hasina, currently in India, is seeking political asylum in the United Kingdom.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.UK immigration rules pose challengeThe Indian government and the UK have declined to comment on Sheikh Hasinas future intentions. According to UK Home Office sources, who spoke to PTI, the UKs immigration policies do not permit individuals to travel to the country with the explicit intention of claiming asylum.Jaishankar stated in Parliament earlier this week that Sheikh Hasina had sought permission to enter India only for the moment. According to reports, Hasina aims to travel to London, where her niece Tulip Siddiq, a member of the British Parliament and daughter of Sheikh Rehana, resides.MEA on minorities in BangladeshViolent protests and clashes over a disputed quota system for government jobs have thrown Bangladesh into chaos, claiming over 550 lives and injuring hundreds.The subsequent fall of the Hasina government has unleashed widespread looting and rioting, with attacks on Hindu houses and temples raising alarm in India. According to the MEA spokesperson, several organizations in Bangladesh have stepped in to protect and promote the welfare of minority groups amidst the turmoil.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.MEA assists Indians in Bangladesh to return homeAccording to the MEA, around 10,000 Indians are still in Bangladesh, and many have contacted the High Commission expressing their desire 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.In addition to the High Commission in Dhaka, India has a consular presence in Chittagong, Rajshahi, Khulna, and Sylhet. The MEA official confirmed that they are actively engaging with Bangladeshi authorities to ensure the security of Indian missions and diplomatic personnel.
