Bangladesh sends diplomatic protest note over Mamata Banerjee’s ‘shelter’ remarks: Ministry of External Affairs

Ajay Banerjee

New Delhi, July 25

Bangladesh has sent a diplomatic note protesting the words of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who four days ago, said that she “would keep the doors of her state open for people in distress from the neighbouring country and offer them shelter”.

Ministry of the External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “I can confirm that we have received such a communication from the Bangladesh side”. They have protested against the words (by West Bengal Chief Minister), he added.

On the situation in Bangladesh, he said India has been closely following the developments there. “India considers the ongoing situation in the country to be an internal matter of Bangladesh,” Jaiswal said.

With the support and cooperation of the Bangladesh government, we were able to arrange for the safe return of our students.

So far, 6,700 Indian students have returned safely. Being a close neighbour to Bangladesh, with whom we share very warm and friendly ties, we are hopeful that the situation in the country would return to normal soon, Jaiswal added.

On being asked about the Kerala government appointing secretary for external cooperation, Jaiswal reminded that the Constitution of India under List 1 of the 7th Schedule clearly specifies that foreign affairs and all matters that bring the Union into relation with any foreign country, are the sole prerogative of the Union Government.

“It is not a concurrent subject, and definitely not a state subject. Our position is such where state governments should not intrude into matters that are beyond their constitutional jurisdiction,” he added.