Foreign-Affairs
Delhi appreciates Dhaka's cooperation for safe return of Indian students: MEA Spokesperson
India has deeply appreciated "excellent cooperation" received from the government of Bangladesh, noting that over 6700 Indian students returned home safely.
"So far, we have had over 6700 Indian students who have come back from Bangladesh. We have received excellent cooperation from the Bangladeshi Government," Spokesperson at the Indian Ministry of External Affairs Randhir Jaiswal told reporters in New Delhi on Thursday.
With the support and cooperation of the Bangladesh government, the MEA spokesperson said they were able to arrange for safe returns of their students, which they "deeply" appreciate.
He said that with Bangladesh, their ties are strong, warm, and very friendly. "And that is how we look at our relations with that country."
He said their high commission has arranged for their safe and secure travel to the border crossing points or to the airport.
"They also have several helplines, both our High Commission and our Assistant High Commissions. They are operating 24x7 helplines and all the people who are there, our students and our nationals, they can reach out to them and they have been rendering whatever assistance that has been requested for," said the spokesperson.
He said they also feel that being a close neighbour with whom they share very warm and friendly ties. "We are hopeful that the situation in the country would return to normal soon."
India has been "closely following" the developments in Bangladesh, and India considers the ongoing situation in the country to be an "internal matter" of Bangladesh.
Canada calls for full restoration of internet services
Canada has called for internet services to be "fully restored without delay" to allow people to access critical information and connect with their loved ones in Canada and worldwide.
"Upholding the freedoms of speech and assembly is crucial," said the Canadian High Commission in Dhaka in a statement on Thursday night.
The justice system must ensure due process for all those arrested and hold accountable those responsible for these tragic events, said the Canadian statement shared by the High Commission.
"We will continue monitoring the situation in Bangladesh," said the High Commission, adding that they are shocked by the violence suffered by the people of Bangladesh this past week during the students' protests.
"Our thoughts are with the victims and their family and all those impacted as we advocate for a peaceful resolution and respect for human rights," the statement reads.
UN experts call for immediate end to 'violent' crackdown, restoration of internet, and accountability for human rights violations
A group of UN experts on Thursday said the government of Bangladesh needs to fully restore the Internet and access to social media immediately and ensure that local and foreign media are granted full access to report on the developments without being attacked, threatened or pressured.
“The State must uphold people’s right to information. Total transparency and accuracy on the numbers of those detained, forcibly disappeared, killed or subjected to other human rights violations, as well as careful preservation of evidence is essential to ensuring accountability and restoring public trust,” the experts said.
They warned that while a recent decision by the courts to scale back the controversial quota system was an important step in the right direction, it will not be sufficient to restore the people’s trust and confidence in the government.
“To regain public trust, the Government needs to take responsibility and ensure a credible process of investigation and accountability to hold perpetrators to account,” the experts said. They are in contact with the Government of Bangladesh on this matter.
The experts are Cecilia Bailliet, Independent Expert on human rights and international solidarity, George Katrougalos, Independent expert on the promotion of a democratic and equitable international order, Morris Tidball-Binz, Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions, Margaret Satterthwaite, Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers, Irene Khan, Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, Surya Deva, Special Rapporteur on the right to development, Farida Shaheed, Special Rapporteur on the right to education, Gina Romero, Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association, Mary Lawlor, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders, Aua Baldé (Chair-Rapporteur), Gabriella Citroni (Vice-Chair), Grażyna Baranowska, and Ana Lorena Delgadillo Pérez, Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances.On July 18, 2024 the authorities shut down broadband and mobile Internet, preventing access to websites, social media and web-based mobile phone communications. This measure drastically restricted news coverage and access to information, said the UN experts.
Mobile phone communication has also been disrupted, effectively cutting off the country from the outside world. Broadband Internet was restored in select areas on 23 July.
“Prompt, thorough, independent and impartial investigations in line with internationally recognised standards must be carried out into all human rights violations,” the experts said.
Outgoing EU ambassador expresses hope for justice and renewal in Bangladesh
The outgoing Ambassador of the European Union to Bangladesh, Charles Whiteley, expressed his hopes that the recent death and destruction, including the loss of innocent lives, will lead to a renewal of Bangladesh's founding values and justice for the victims.
As Ambassador Whiteley prepared to leave Dhaka upon the completion of his tenure, he shared his reflections and hopes through his social media handle. He emphasized the importance of justice and the reinforcement of the core principles upon which Bangladesh was founded, especially in light of the recent tragic events.
The Ambassador’s message resonates with a call for unity and resilience, highlighting the necessity of honoring those who have paid a heavy price and ensuring a just and peaceful future for Bangladesh.
End/UNB/MK/MB/ssk
‘This is utterly heartbreaking, I'm shocked’: Japanese Ambassador after visiting MRT Dhaka
Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Iwama Kiminori has said he is shocked to see the damaged areas in Dhaka and described the damage in Dhaka metro rail station utterly heartbreaking.
"I am shocked to observe the damaged areas in Dhaka on July 24. As Ambassador of Japan to Bangladesh, I am especially saddened by the severe damage of Dhaka MRT. I find this utterly heartbreaking," he said, sharing his personal observation after visiting the MRT Dhaka.
The Ambassador said the damage reminds him that all the related people, both Japanese and Bangladeshi, who constructed and operated with sweat and tears for the urban transport network here in Bangladesh for a long time.
"Furthermore, I can never forget the smile of the commuters and passengers who I passed by on the train of MRT. It is, therefore, regrettable that the operation is suspended by the vandalism for the time being," said the Japanese envoy.
Ambassador Iwama conveyed his condolences and heartfelt sympathies to the victims of the violent clashes between protesters and law enforcement officers in Bangladesh, as well as to the bereaved families and friends and those who have injured.
He believes that despite this destruction by some people, the majority of the citizens of Bangladesh support their assistance, including Dhaka MRT.
"I will continue to work with the people of Bangladesh for the development of this country, including the recovery of the damaged facilities," said the Ambassador.
He hoped that the situation would be settled in a peaceful manner without further deterioration and that the people in Bangladesh, including students, would be able to return to their daily lives with smiles as soon as possible.
UN Human Rights stands ready to support Bangladesh to conduct transparent probe into alleged rights violations: Volker Türk
UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk on Thursday said his office stands ready to support the government of Bangladesh to conduct an impartial, independent and transparent investigation into all alleged human rights violations.
He said the authorities must also provide guarantees of non-recurrence and an assurance there will be no reprisals against those involved in the protests. Longer-term, comprehensive security sector reform is also important to prevent future abuses and safeguard the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association.
Türk in a statement said that he hoped the Supreme Court’s decision on Sunday to substantially narrow the quota system for government jobs - a system that had set off last week’s protests - may open space for confidence-building, leading to meaningful and inclusive dialogue to address underlying issues and grievances.
He appealed to all political actors to avoid any statements or actions that could constitute incitement to violence or lead to a further crackdown on dissent.
It is vitally important that the government rebuilds public trust and creates an environment conducive to public dialogue on the underlying issues that led to this wave of violence, he said.
“Today, I am calling on the Bangladesh Government urgently to disclose full details about last week’s crackdown on protests amid growing accounts of horrific violence," he said.
Latest reports indicate that more than 170 people have been killed and over a thousand injured - some of whom were denied medical care - and many are missing following protests by students and youth movements against government policies, he claimed.
At least two journalists have been reportedly killed and scores of others injured.
Hundreds of people have also been arrested, including opposition figures.
"It is imperative that the government provides the details of those killed, injured, or detained for the benefit of their families," said the UN rights chief.
The government must also restore, without delay, full Internet access to allow all people, including journalists and media outlets, to communicate freely and in line with international law, he said.
Critically, the UN rights chief said, it must ensure law enforcement agencies operate in line with international human rights norms and standards, particularly with respect to policing protests.
India reiterates ongoing situation an ‘internal matter’ of Bangladesh
India has reiterated that the ongoing situation in Bangladesh is its “internal matter” and hoped that the country would return to normalcy soon.
"India considers the ongoing situation in the country to be an internal matter of Bangladesh. We are hopeful that the situation will return to normal soon," Spokesperson at the Indian Ministry of External Affairs Randhir Jaiswal told reporters on Thursday.
He said that as a close neighbour, India shares very warm and friendly ties with Bangladesh.
The MEA Spokesperson also said they deeply appreciate Bangladesh’s efforts to help Indian students and its nationals.
Responding to a question, he confirmed that they received diplomatic communication from the Bangladesh side protesting the remarks made by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
Earlier, Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud confirmed that the issue was communicated with the Indian government.
"With due respect to (West Bengal) Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, I would like to say we have excellent relations with her. We have deep relations. But her remarks created confusion to some extent, and there is scope to be misled,” Hasan said.
On Friday too, the Ministry of External Affairs, India described the situation as an “internal affair of Bangladesh.”
The high commission of India in Dhaka is in touch with local authority for the safety of their nationals in Bangladesh, said the MEA spokesperson last Friday in New Delhi.
He said they remain committed to provide all possible assistance to Indian nationals in Bangladesh.
There are around 8,500 students and 15,000 Indian nationals living in Bangladesh.
The MEA spokesperson also said, they are aware of the measures taken by local authorities.
The government of India issued an advisory for Indian nationals including their students who are living in Bangladesh.
Helpline numbers remain operative 24 hours for the safety and assistance if required.
The Indian high commission in Dhaka will provide updates regularly.
US Embassy in Dhaka remains operational, voluntary departure of nonemergency personnel authorized: State Dept
The United States has said its Embassy in Dhaka remains operational and they authorized the "voluntary departure of nonemergency personnel" and their family members.
"The embassy does remain open to provide consular and other services to United States citizens who are in Bangladesh," said the US Department of State Spokesperson Matthew Miller.
He said that safety and security of US citizens are obviously their first priority.
US State Department’s “false claim” of two deaths sparks criticism; senior journalists question objectivity
"We encourage any U.S. citizen who is worried about their safety and security, has concerns, anything they want to discuss, to contact our embassy," Miller said during a regular briefing at the US Department of State on July 24.
Miller said they have made their concerns clear about the ongoing security situation in Bangladesh.
"We announced the other day that we are exploring all options to ensure the safety of our personnel in Dhaka," the US State Department spokesperson said.
Peacekeepers play essential role in promoting peace, security globally: US State Department
Expressing optimism over the return of normalcy in the country soon, Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud on Tuesday said the current situation does not warrant foreign mission officials to leave Bangladesh.
“The situation will get back to normalcy within a couple of days. No situation is prevailing in the country that they (foreigners) need to leave Bangladesh,” he told reporters while responding to a question at a media briefing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Fake X account using Italian Ambassador’s name removed
A fake social media profile using the name of Italian Ambassador in Dhaka, Antonio Alessandro, has been removed, officials have confirmed.
Earlier, the Italian Ambassador reported that a fake profile has been created on X (formerly Twitter) in his name.
The Italian government informed that whatever message appeared from such a profile is not attributable to Ambassador Alessandro. Some protest related photos and messages were shared from that fake account.
While all necessary steps have been taken to request the removal of the fake social media profile, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Italian Republic is thankful to the competent authorities in Dhaka for assuring the protection of Ambassador Alessandro and the staff of the Embassy, according to a diplomatic communication seen by UNB.
Bangladesh High Commission in Delhi protests India Today NE news with false information
Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi has protested a news article with false information, titled “Indian students flee Dhaka amid violent clashes, PM Sheikh Hasina airlifted,” published online as well as a related post on the X handle of India Today NE on July 21, 2024.
"We request all the news outlets, including the India Today NE, to remain vigil and ensure objective and balanced reporting taking account of the sensitivity of the issue," reads a rejoinder sent by the Bangladesh High Commission.
Shaban Mahmood, Minister (Press) sent the rejoinder to the media outlet on behalf of the High Commission on July 22.
While the article was premised on misleading information in more detail, the X post reads: “Amidst this chaos, reports confirmed that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was airlifted from her residence in Dhaka. Her current whereabouts remain unknown.”
Read more: It's your internal affair but we are with you: Diplomats to govt
Although both the article and the post were subsequently taken down within a few hours, the misinformation on the status of the Government of Bangladesh went viral within a short span of time, and triggered huge confusion and anxiety among people at home and abroad, the rejoinder reads.
"On behalf of the High Commission of Bangladesh, I express my sheer disappointment at the aforesaid erroneous article and post. As you are well aware, our country is going through a challenging time due to the ongoing student protests," reads the rejoinder.
“This kind of misinformation and reporting based on rumour at the time of such critical moment of any country may misguide the people and even add fuel to the crisis and turn the situation into more chaotic,” said the High Commission.
Moreover, such kind of reporting, without gauging the sensitivity, does not only negatively affect the people and the society at large, but also puts the credibility of any news outlet in question.
On July 21, 2024, the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh delivered a historic verdict on reforming the quota system in the public service employment.
Read more: Diplomats witnessing destruction in Dhaka were stunned: Foreign Minister
The court ordered 93% of the government jobs to be allocated on a merit-based system, which has been the demand of the students.
While welcoming the order of the apex court of the country, the Government of Bangladesh has also taken a slew of measures to ensure safety and security of the people and property, said the High Commission.
With this, the situation has significantly improved, and it is expected that normalcy will return soon, it said.