Foreign hand, minorities: Rahul Gandhi’s questions at key Bangladesh meeting

Congress MP and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi attended the all-party meeting called by the Centre to discuss the unrest in Bangladesh.

At the meeting, Rahul Gandhi raised concern about the situation in India’s eastern neighbourhood, including the possibility of a “foreign hand”.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar briefed the opposition leaders about the situation in Bangladesh. According to sources, the Opposition expressed its support for the measures taken by the Indian government.

During the meeting, Rahul Gandhi asked the government about its short-term and long-term strategy in dealing with diplomatic ramifications of the power shift in Dhaka, sources said. Jaishankar replied that it is a developing situation and the Centre is analysing it closely so that it can fine-tune its next move.

Rahul Gandhi further asked about the state of minorities in the country, raising concerns over their safety amid violent protests, sources said.

The Congress MP further asked about the possibility of a “foreign hand” in the civil unrest in Bangladesh, hinting at Pakistan and China.

On this, Jaishankar said it would be too soon to talk about external interference as it is still a developing situation, sources said.

Later, addressing the Rajya Sabha about the situation in Bangladesh, Jaishankar said the government was in touch with the Indian community in violence-hit nation.

“We are also monitoring the situation with regard to the status of minorities. There are reports of initiatives by various groups and organisations to ensure their protection and well-being. Naturally, we will remain deeply concerned till law and order is restored,” he said.