Bangladesh unrest: Bengal will give shelter to ‘helpless people,’ declares Mamata Banerjee

The West Bengal CM cited a UN resolution, under which, she said, refugees must be accommodated in regions adjacent to the ones under turmoil.

Published on: Jul 21, 2024, 16:40:01 IST

By HT News Desk, New Delhi

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee, whose state shares border with Bangladesh, on Sunday offered shelter to ‘helpless people’ from the neighbouring country, which has been witnessing violent student-led protests against reservations in its civil services.

Bangladeshi military forces on armored vehicles patrol on the streets of Dhaka, Bangladesh, Saturday, July 20, 2024. (AP)

Also Read: Bangladesh's top court scales back jobs quota after deadly unrest kills 151

“I should not speak on the affairs of Bangladesh as it is a sovereign nation, and whatever needs to be said on the issue is subject matter of the Centre. But I can tell you this, if helpless people come knocking on our doors, we will surely provide them shelter,” Banerjee declared at the annual Martyrs' Day rally of her Trinamool Congress (TMC) in Kolkata.

“That's because of a United Nations resolution to accommodate refugees in regions adjacent to those under turmoil,” the TMC supremo stated.

Banerjee also assured her full cooperation to her state's residents whose relatives are stuck in Bangladesh due to the escalating violence on the eastern side of the international border.

Also Read: Explained | Who were 'Razakars' and why are they back in Bangladesh's discourse

Assistance will also be extended to Bangladeshis who came to West Bengal and are facing difficulty in returning home, she added.

The chief minister further urged people of her state to not get ‘provoked’ over matters regarding the current situation in Bangladesh, which remains cut off from the rest of the world after internet and cellular services there were shut down earlier this week.

“We must exercise restraint and not walk into any provocation or excitement on the issue,” she remarked, and expressed solidarity with students and other demonstrators who are protesting for the abolition of the quota system.

Also Read: Bangladesh army out in force as police fire on demonstrators

“We are extremely sad to see blood getting split and my heart goes out to the students who were killed,” the West Bengal CM said.

(With PTI inputs)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

Mamata Banerjee

Get the latest India News, breaking headlines and real-time updates from across the country. Stay informed about politics, government policies, crime, weather and major national developments.