External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar briefed MPs, including Rahul Gandhi, on the situation in Bangladesh and the government's actions to address potential security, economic, and diplomatic issues. The government is in close contact with the Bangladesh Army and will act accordingly. Concerns have risen following PM Sheikh Hasina’s resignation amid protests.
On Tuesday, Opposition MPs protested in Parliament, urging the government to reduce GST on health insurance policies. This followed Trinamool Congress leader Derek O'Brian's mention of a letter from BJP leader Nitin Gadkari to Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, making the same request.
The second session of the 18th Lok Sabha began on July 22 and will end on August 12. The Finance Minister presented the 2024-25 Budget on July 23, leading to heated debates and allegations of bias against non-BJP ruled states.
Also read: EAM S. Jaishankar briefs all-party meeting on Bangladesh situation
- External Affairs Minister's Briefing on Bangladesh Crisis
EAM Jaishankar's Address to the Lok Sabha
Union External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar provided an update to the Lok Sabha regarding the escalating crisis in Bangladesh. He emphasized that India had urged restraint as the situation deteriorated in Bangladesh, which has been marked by significant student protests and political unrest.
Current Situation in Bangladesh
EAM Jaishankar reported that the crisis in Bangladesh remains fluid. He outlined that approximately 19,000 Indian nationals are currently in Bangladesh, with about 9,000 of them being students. Notably, most of these students had returned to India by July. Jaishankar mentioned that India’s diplomatic presence includes the High Commission in Dhaka and Assistant High Commissions in Chittagong, Rajshahi, Khulna, and Sylhet. He expects these diplomatic missions to resume normal operations once the situation stabilizes and the host government provides adequate security.
Increased Vigilance Along the Border
In light of the unfolding crisis, EAM Jaishankar announced that India’s border forces have been directed to remain exceptionally vigilant. Regular communication with Dhaka authorities has been maintained to ensure preparedness and safety.
#WATCH | Speaking in Rajya Sabha on the situation in Bangladesh, External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar says, "...We are in close and continuous touch with the Indian community in Bangladesh through our diplomatic missions. There are an estimated 19,000 Indian nationals there… pic.twitter.com/SJSv1hkQ1f— ANI (@ANI) August 6, 2024
Sheikh Hasina's Resignation and Visit to India
On August 5, amidst ongoing protests and despite a curfew in Dhaka, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned following discussions with military leaders. She requested emergency permission to travel to India, which was granted. Hasina arrived in Delhi the following evening.
Overview of Indian Nationals in Bangladesh
Jaishankar reiterated that around 19,000 Indians are in Bangladesh, including 9,000 students. Most students had already returned to India by July. The Indian government is closely monitoring the situation and ensuring the safety of its nationals.
India-Bangladesh Relations
The EAM highlighted the historically close relationship between India and Bangladesh. He acknowledged the violence and political tensions that have recently surged in Bangladesh, including attacks on public buildings and minority properties. The Indian government has called for restraint and is working to support its citizens and diplomatic missions during this period of instability.
Prospects for Normalization
EAM Jaishankar expressed hope for the normalization of relations once the situation in Bangladesh improves. He emphasized that the Indian government is maintaining a high level of alertness and is in close contact with the Indian community in Bangladesh.
- BJP MLA Statements
Nishikant Dubey Questions Caste Census
BJP leader Nishikant Dubey raised concerns about the feasibility of a caste census in India, given the presence of people who do not identify with any religion or caste. He criticized Congress for its stance on caste issues and suggested that their demand for a caste census could lead to a shift in reservation policies.
Telecom Tariffs and Rural Connectivity
Satna MP Ganesh Singh urged the government to advise telecom companies to reduce mobile recharge costs, citing increased SIM card usage in rural areas and promotional offers that encourage the purchase of new cards over recharging old numbers.
- Other Party MPs' Statements
Ram Gopal Yadav Criticizes Instagram Content
MP Ram Gopal Yadav criticized Instagram reels for disseminating “vulgar and violent content,” although his address was interrupted by MDMK MP Vaiko's continued concerns over the targeting of Tamil Nadu fishermen by Sri Lanka.
Healthcare Infrastructure Concerns
Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Anupriya Patel, responded to queries about the establishment of additional AIIMS facilities, noting that there are no current plans for a new AIIMS in West Bengal despite demands for improved healthcare infrastructure.
Discussion on Sickle Cell Anaemia
During Question Hour, MPs discussed sickle cell anaemia, an inherited condition affecting hemoglobin levels. MoS Anupriya Patel assured that the government supports states with testing kits, screening, and essential medications for managing the disease.
Appropriation Bill 2024
The Lok Sabha debated the Appropriation (No. 2) Bill, 2024, which authorizes government expenditure from the Consolidated Fund of India for the fiscal year 2024-25. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman introduced the Bill, and Congress MP Amar Singh raised concerns about unemployment, inflation, and the state of the agriculture sector.
Economic and Fiscal Discussions
MP Supriya Sule highlighted that India is no longer an insulated economy and criticized the government’s handling of domestic markets. MP Mahua Moitra alleged that the current budget unfairly burdens salaried professionals and the middle class.
Concerns Over Banking Penalties
Congress MP Randeep Surjewala questioned penalties imposed by public sector banks on accounts with insufficient balances. Finance Minister Sitharaman clarified that such penalties do not apply to Jan Dhan accounts and are only imposed on accounts requiring a minimum balance.
Protests Over GST on Insurance
Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi joined protests demanding the rollback of the 18% GST on medical and life insurance products. Similarly, members of the INDIA bloc staged a protest outside Makar Dwar, calling for a reduction in GST on health and life insurance.
With inputs from agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies
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