The regime in Bangladesh has taken up the matter at the level of diplomacy with India after recent comments by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee about giving shelter to those from Bangladesh who were in distress, which are seen to create "confusion" and "misleading" of public time.
At a public function in Kolkata recently, Miss Banerjee revealed her readiness to keep the West Bengal doors open for the violence-hit people of Bangladesh and offer them shelter. Similar sentiments were shared on her X (formerly Twitter) account.
The Bangladesh Foreign Ministry has just told the Indian government, according to the digital news service United News of Bangladesh, that such remarks may create 'misunderstandings.' Sources state that the Foreign Minister, Hasan Mahmud, acknowledged the close relations that existed between the two countries and Banerjee but noted that in the context of the current relationship, such comments can cause confusion and misinterpretation. All these concerns, in detail, have been sent to the Indian government in a formal note.
BJP leader Amit Malviya had shared a video on X, in which Hasan can be heard making these comments; he mocked Mamata Banerjee for bringing disrepute to West Bengal and India. Malviya took the stance that FFP is not a matter to be commented on by individual states themselves; hence, Mamata should have known the bounds of her statement.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh is slowly returning to normalcy after five days of violent student protests over job quotas. The capital saw resumption of traffic and reopening of banks, garment factories, as well as some internet services. A countrywide internet blackout, in effect since last Thursday, had heavily restricted the flow of information, although partial connectivity was restored Tuesday night and targets for restoration were first banks, media, and other vital services.
While mobile phones have resumed operations, the internet speed has remained slow. Mobile internet and Facebook remain suspended. The curfew, like in many other parts of the capital and its vicinity, has been relaxed by seven hours. Tight security, involved the army, Border Guard Bangladesh, riot police, and the Rapid Action Battalion. It has resulted in a large number of killings, following which the government has finally decided to initiate a judicial inquiry headed by a sitting High Court judge.
Read also | MEA fully focused on ensuring safety of Indians in Bangladesh, says Jaishankar
