“Our heart aches…” Mamata Banerjee expresses concern over Bangladesh violence, assures shelter to the “helpless”

Referring to the United Nations resolution, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Sunday assured to render all assistance to anyone seeking help due to the ugly violence that had rocked neighboring Bangladesh. So far more than 100 people, mostly students have lost their lives due to ongoing unrest in Bangladesh over the “quota in government job” row. While claiming that she didn’t have the power to speak on the issue, she expressed pain and grief over the deaths in that country.

"I should not be speaking on the affairs of Bangladesh since it's another country. Whatever needs to be said on the issue, the Centre would. But I can only say that if helpless people knock our door then Bengal will give shelter to them. That's because there is a United Nations Resolution to accommodate refugees in regions adjacent to those facing the turmoil," the Trinamool Congress chief said at the 'Martyr Day' rally in Kolkata.

Nearly one thousand Indian students have returned to the country after the worst spate of violence hit the government of Sheikh Hasina. Student protests broke out in Bangladesh after the High Court’s decision to uphold a 30 percent quota in government jobs for the families of the 1971 war veterans. Students clashed with groups patronised by the ruling Awami League, several students have died to police firing and other alleged excesses at the hands of the forces. Under fire, the Hasina government clamped down on internet and also imposed curfew across the country.

Around 300 students have returned to India on Sunday, entered into West Bengal via the Hilli border. “Hundreds of students and others are returning to West Bengal/ India, from the trouble-torn Bangladesh. I have asked our State administration to render all help and assistance to the returnees. For instance, around 300 students arrived at Hilli border today and most of them left for their respective destinations safely”, Mamata Banerjee posted on ‘X’, further adding “United we stand”.


The Indian government has maintained a strong vigil over the issue in Bangladesh; advisories have been issued not to visit the country now. Students in the country have been advised to return. Horrific visuals have surfaced showing students being brutally dragged on the road amidst violent protests. Videos of students being assaulted and also shot at have gone viral, drawing the attention of the international press. “How heart aches when innocent people die. We are hurt by the blood of the people, doesn’t matter whose blood it is. Humanity comes first. We are keeping a close watch. So many young students have lost their lives…,” she said at the public rally in Kolkata while urging people in her state to maintain peace and retrain. She appealed to the people not to fall prey to an instigation.