Protests and unrest in neighbouring nations are a major concern for New Delhi as Indians and nationals of neighbouring countries reside across the region and understandably as a big brother nation, India’s role becomes crucial in mediating peace in the region to ensure growth and prosperity in the sub-continent.
Describing the bloody protests in Bangladesh as an “internal” matter of that nation, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said there were around 15,000 Indians, including 8,500 students, currently residing in Bangladesh and they all were safe.
As per information till 8 pm on Friday, 245 Indians, including 125 students, returned to India. The Indian High Commission also facilitated the return of 13 Nepali students.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar was following the matter closely, Jaiswal said, adding that India was committed to providing “all possible assistance to our nationals in Bangladesh”.
“As you are aware, there are ongoing protests in Bangladesh. We see this as an internal matter of the country. We have issued an advisory for Indian nationals, including our students, resident in Bangladesh for their safety and assistance if required. Helpline numbers are activated operating on a 24×7 basis for people to reach out,” Jaiswal said.
“Our High Commission will be providing regular updates. I will also be posting regular updates. I would urge family members to follow us for the latest developments,” he added.
Mamata comment triggers stir
Meanwhile, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Sunday said at the annual Martyrs’ Day rally in Kolkata that in the wake of the escalating violence in Bangladesh, she would keep the doors of her state open for people in distress from the neighbouring country and offer them shelter.
Mamata was referring to the UN resolution on refugees as justification for her stand over a possible humanitarian crisis that may emerge on account of the severe law and order breakdown that has gripped the neighbouring country.
“It’s true that we are all concerned about the current situation in Bangladesh over which Delhi is keeping a close watch. Our Chief Minister should not be voicing her opinions on matters involving our country’s foreign policies without first consulting the Centre,” BJP senior leader and Union minister, Sukanta Majumdar said.
Cashless and no Visa power
Meanwhile, Bangladeshis who visit several major cities in India for medical treatment and education purposes are worried as they are unable to contact their families. To make matters worse, some of them are running out of cash and visa’s period limit.
Also, several tourists who had come to India are left stranded with botched holiday plans.
What triggered the protests?
It may be recalled that on June 5, the High Court ordered the reinstatement of the 30 percent quota for children of freedom fighters, deeming the 2018 abolition of quotas illegal. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of the Awami League had abolished the quota system after massive protests.
On Wednesday, students from Dhaka University had blocked major intersections and the police precinct in Shahbagh.
Decoding the quota system in Bangladesh?
In 1972, the country’s founding father, Sheikh Mujibur Rehman, introduced a quota system thus reserving a percentage of government jobs for children and grandchildren of people who fought in the 1971 war of independence from Pakistan.
Under the system, 44 percent of first- and second-class government jobs are “merit” based.
The remaining 56 percent are reserved for specific communities:
30 percent for the children and grandchildren of freedom fighters
10 percent for women
10 percent “zila quota” for “backward” districts
5 percent for ethnic minorities
1 percent for people with physical disabilities
What do the protesters want?
The protesters are demanding the 30 percent quota for children of freedom fighters be abolished.
However, they support reserving jobs for ethnic minorities and people with disabilities.
Subsequently, the government deployed riot police who fired tear gas and charged with batons during violent clashes between the protesters and a pro-government student group. Paramilitary troops were also deployed across the country.
On Thursday, student protesters from the public Comilla University clashed with police, who opened fire which was reported in the local media. Twenty people, including students and three policemen, were injured.
Meanwhile, ruling party leaders and ministers have tried to paint the protesters as anti-nationals and against the government after Hasina, who has been in power since 2009, referred to them as “Razakars”. Razakar is referred to as those who betrayed Bangladesh in the 1971 war by collaborating with Pakistan.
TRADE LINKS WITH BANGLADESH
A number of Indian companies with factories in Bangladesh, including Emami and Indofil Industries, have been forced to stop operations due to the turmoil.
Data from the high commission of India in Bangladesh indicates that major Indian companies that have invested in the country include Marico, Emami, Dabur, Asian Paints, Pidilite, Godrej, Sun Pharma, Tata Motors, and Hero MotoCorp.
Further escalation of the crisis could directly or indirectly affect these companies.
The economic impact of the protests in Bangladesh is estimated at Taka 6,500 crore daily (over Rs 4,600 crore/Rs 46 million), according to a local media report citing the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry.
Trade has been growing rapidly on the import and export fronts. Bangladesh is strong in garments but the rest of its demand is met by other countries, including India.
Currently, however, bilateral trade has suffered seriously because of the unrest. Bangladesh is India’s biggest trade partner in South Asia, and India is Bangladesh’s second-largest trade partner in Asia.
Bangladesh exported $1.97 billion of goods to India in 2023-2024, with total bilateral trade at $14.01 billion.
So, a peaceful environment in the neighbouring countries… especially in Bangladesh is much expected by New Delhi and hence India is closely watching the matter.
(The writer is a senior journalist and former Senior Associate Editor, O Heraldo, Goa)
