New Delhi

India's External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar addressed parliament's upper house Rajya Sabha on Tuesday (August 6) over the prevailing crisis in Bangladesh that forced former prime minister Sheikh Hasina to leave the country after resigning from office. 

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"On 5th August, demonstrators converged in Dhaka despite the curfew. Our understanding is that after a meeting with leaders of the security establishment, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina apparently made the decision to resign. At very short notice, she requested approval to come for the moment to India. We simultaneously received a request for flight clearance from the Bangladesh authorities. She arrived yesterday evening in Delhi," Jaishankar told the Rajya Sabha. 

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The External Affairs Minister was scheduled to give a statement in both houses of parliament over the situation in Bangladesh following concern about recent violence and instability in the neighbouring country.

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"We are also monitoring the situation with regard to the status of minorities. There are reports of initiatives by various groups and organizations to ensure their protection and well- being. We welcome that, but will naturally remain deeply concerned till law and order is visibly restored. Our border guarding forces have also been instructed to be exceptionally alert in view of this complex situation," he said.

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The foreign minister sought the support of lawmakers amid prevailing situation in Bangladesh. 

"In the last 24 hours, we have also been in regular touch with the authorities in Dhaka. This is the situation as of now. I seek the understanding and support of the House in regard to sensitive issues regarding an important neighbour on which there has always been a strong national consensus," he said.