“…These comments are totally out of line”: Centre after Mamata Banerjee’s offer of ‘help’ amid Bangladesh unrest

Updated July 21, 2024 at 9:22 PM IST

As violence escalates in Bangladesh, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said on Sunday that she would “provide shelter to people from violence-hit Bangladesh if they come knocking at our doors.”

Hours after Mamata Banerjee offered to provide shelter to people in distress amid the ongoing crisis, violence in BangladeshThe Indian government, according to Times Now sources, responded that such matters fall within the jurisdiction of the Union Government.

Responding to the West Bengal Chief Minister’s comments, the Indian government said: “These are matters which are dealt with by the Union government. A state government has no locus standi to act on this matter and hence its comments are totally out of place.”

Mamata BanerjeeWest Bengal Chief Minister said on Sunday that she would “provide shelter to those affected by the violence”. Bangladesh if they come knocking at our doors.”

Banerjee referred to the UN refugee resolution to justify her stand on the possible humanitarian crisis that could arise due to the severe breakdown in law and order that has hit Bangladesh in recent days.

“I should not speak on Bangladesh’s affairs because it is a sovereign nation and whatever needs to be said on the subject is the Centre’s responsibility. But I can tell you one thing: if helpless people come knocking at the doors of Bengal, we will definitely provide them shelter,” Banerjee said at the TMC rally in Kolkata on ‘Martyrs’ Day’.

Taking the example of the Assamese who were allowed to live in the Alipurduars area of north Bengal for a considerable period during the Bodo conflict in the northeastern state, Mamata Banerjee said: “This is because there is a United Nations resolution to accommodate refugees in areas adjacent to the troubled areas.”

She assured all cooperation to the people of Bengal whose relatives are stranded due to the escalation of violence east of the international border. She also extended help to Bangladeshis who have come to Bengal but are finding it difficult to return home. Banerjee also appealed to the people of West Bengal not to get provoked by questions regarding the current situation in Bangladesh.

“We must exercise restraint and not indulge in provocation or excitement on this issue,” she said.

Update on return of Indian nationals to Bangladesh

Over the last two days, the High Commission of India in Dhaka and the Deputy High Commissions in Chittagong, Rajshahi, Sylhet and Khulna have been assisting in the return of Indian nationals to their country following the recent developments in Bangladesh. The Ministry of External Affairs has also coordinated with the relevant Indian authorities to ensure smooth passage of our citizens at the ports and airports. The High Commission in Dhaka is also coordinating with the Civil Aviation Authorities of Bangladesh and commercial airlines to ensure availability of flight services between India and Bangladesh.

So far, more than 4,500 Indian students have returned to India. The High Commission has made arrangements to ensure the safety of the Indian nationals up to the border crossing points. 500 students from Nepal, 38 from Bhutan and 1 from Maldives have also arrived in India. The High Commission and our Deputy High Commissioners continue to be in regular touch with the local authorities to ensure the safety of the Indian nationals. They are also in regular touch with the students left behind in various universities in Bangladesh and with the Indian nationals for their welfare and assistance.