Mamata Banerjee Opens Doors for Refugees Amid Bangladesh Violence

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced that her state would offer refuge to those affected by the escalating violence in Bangladesh. Citing a UN resolution on refugees, Banerjee emphasized providing shelter and assistance. BJP leaders criticized her stance, calling it politically motivated. Bangladesh faces unrest over government job quota reforms.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee declared on Sunday that her state would welcome and shelter those affected by the growing violence in Bangladesh.

Banerjee referenced the United Nations resolution on refugees to justify her position amid a potential humanitarian crisis due to the severe law and order situation unfolding in the neighboring nation over the past few days.

Speaking at the TMC’s 'Martyrs Day' rally in Kolkata, Banerjee stated, ''If helpless people come knocking on the doors of West Bengal, we will surely provide them shelter. The UN resolution mandates accommodating refugees in regions adjacent to those in turmoil.''

Further expressing support for West Bengal residents with relatives stuck due to the upheaval in Bangladesh, she extended aid to Bangladeshis facing difficulties returning home.

Banerjee cautioned West Bengal residents to remain calm and avoid provocations related to Bangladesh's current situation. ''We should exercise restraint and not walk into any provocation or excitement on the issue,'' she urged.

Later, Banerjee highlighted the state's assistance to hundreds of students and others returning from conflict-ridden Bangladesh, ensuring their safe passage and providing essential amenities as needed.

However, BJP leaders, including state unit chief Sukanta Majumdar and IT cell head Amit Malviya, criticized Banerjee's statements, arguing that issues of foreign policy should be consulted with the Central government first. Malviya accused Banerjee of attempting to settle illegal Bangladeshis for political gain.

The violence in Bangladesh erupted over student protests demanding reforms in the quota system for government jobs. The Bangladesh Supreme Court has since scaled down job reservations for veterans' descendants, aiming to quell the unrest.