Delhi reaches out to new Dhaka regime, talks of people’s interest

New Delhi: While India has so far, unlike the US, not welcomed the formation of an interim govt in Bangladesh, New Delhi on Thursday showed the first clear sign of reaching out to the new regime in Dhaka as it said the interests of the people of the country are foremost on its mind.This follows remarks by foreign minister S Jaishankar in Parliament earlier this week that it had repeatedly advised restraint and urged political forces, without naming the Sheikh Hasina govt, to resolve the situation that caused her downfall with dialogue. The remark was seen as a step towards acknowledgement of the anti-Hasina mood in the country. The minister had also said that various actions and decisions to deal with the public agitation only exacerbated the situation. Hasina’s excessive use of force against the protesters was said to have hastened her departure.While discussing the threat to Indian citizens, govt sources also said Thursday that the Indian high commission in Dhaka in coordination with Bangladesh Army was facilitating “safe passage” for Indian nationals to the border.In its first remarks on the situation in Dhaka after Hasina’s exit, ministry of external affairs (MEA) underscored primacy of the people’s interests. “The situation is evolving... we’d like to emphasise that as far as Indian govt and people of India are concerned, the interest of the people of Bangladesh is foremost in our minds,” said spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal.Widely seen as the principal backer of Hasina, and with the former PM still here in the absence of any asylum offer from the West, India has been treading cautiously on the developments in Bangladesh. Unlike the US, India has so far not called for respecting the need to uphold democratic principles or the rule of law.However, Centre has remained in touch with authorities in Dhaka, including military, to ensure safety of Indian citizens and the minority Hindu community. While recalling the deep concern that Jaishankar expressed for minorities in his statement in Parliament, the Indian officials also said, “We want to make it very clear that it is the responsibility of every govt to ensure the well-being of its citizens, and we hope for early restoration of law and order in Bangladesh.”According to officials, the Indian mission in Dhaka has facilitated movement of Indians including project personnel across the land borders. “Some of these situations were life threatening,” said a source, adding movement of the members/staff of Ircon Khulna, L&T, RITES, Tata Projects, Afcons and Transrail Sirajganj was facilitated through the land border.“Indian mission has also facilitated consular cases including immigration. Emergency certificates have been issued to Indian nationals to facilitate their travel in emergency cases. It has ensured airlines continue to operate, which serves as a big enabler to ensure that people are not left stranded,” said the source.