Indian High Commissioner Likely to Attend Swearing-in of Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus Amid Bangladesh Turmoil

The Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh is expected to attend the swearing-in of Nobel laureate economist Muhammad Yunus. This comes as Bangladesh faces intense protests forcing Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to resign. Indian diplomatic missions are on alert, with non-essential staff and families pulled back amid the unrest.

The Ministry of External Affairs announced on Thursday that the Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh is likely to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Nobel laureate economist Muhammad Yunus. The interim government of Bangladesh is set to be sworn in later today.

Muhammad Yunus, a renowned Bangladeshi social entrepreneur and founder of Grameen Bank, received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006 for his pioneering work in microcredit aimed at socio-economic development.

The development comes amid escalating unrest in Bangladesh, triggered by student protests that have morphed into intense anti-government demonstrations. As a result, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has resigned and fled the country.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, "Diplomatic community members have been invited to the swearing-in ceremony, which is likely to occur around 8-o'clock this evening. It's probable that our High Commissioner will participate."

Addressing the situation of Indian diplomatic missions in Bangladesh, Jaiswal confirmed that non-essential staff and their families have been repatriated. Normal functioning of the missions will resume once law and order are restored.

"We maintain constant communication with Bangladesh authorities to ensure the safety of our nationals. We are hopeful that the law and order situation will improve swiftly, allowing our High Commission to become fully operational again," Jaiswal added.

Regarding the condition of minorities in Bangladesh, Jaiswal stated that the MEA is closely monitoring the situation and welcomes initiatives aimed at ensuring their protection and well-being. "We remain deeply concerned until there is a visible improvement in law and order," he emphasized.

"It is incumbent upon every government to safeguard the well-being of its citizens. We are looking forward to the prompt restoration of law and order in Bangladesh, which is essential for the country's and the region's stability," Jaiswal concluded. (ANI)