Bangladesh objects to Mamata Banerjee's remark on 'shelter for refugees'
PTC News Desk: The West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's recent statement about providing "shelter to helpless people" from Bangladesh's violent regions sparked an official objection from the government of Bangladesh on Tuesday.
On the subject, the neighbouring nation has formally written to New Delhi.
"We would like to clarify that, while we have a close connection with the Chief Minister of West Bengal, her remarks are ambiguous at best. As a result, we have sent a note to the Indian government," Foreign Minister of Bangladesh Hasan Mahmud declared.
Following the increasing violence and protests in Bangladesh, Mamata Banerjee declared on July 21 that the state will provide sanctuary and keep its doors open for "people in distress" from the neighbouring country.
She stated during a rally that "if helpless people come knocking on the doors of West Bengal, we will surely provide them shelter," adding that the Center has the authority to speak on international matters.
Banerjee justified her position by citing a United Nations resolution on refugees.
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"That's because there is a United Nations resolution to accommodate refugees in regions adjacent to those in turmoil," said the chief minister.
Governor of West Bengal, CV Ananda Bose, has requested a report from Banerjee on her remarks. According to the Raj Bhavan, the Centre has the right to address any matter pertaining to external relations.
The Governor's office stated in a statement on Monday that "a public statement by a Chief Minister undertaking the responsibility to provide shelter to people who may be coming in from a foreign nation implies Constitutional transgression of a very serious nature."
Scores of students were killed as violence in Bangladesh increased, particularly in the capital Dhaka and other areas, as they staged protests calling for changes to the quota system for government jobs. Students in favor of the Sheikh Hasina government staged a counter-protest in the streets, during which there were altercations with law enforcement. The demonstrations have been going on for more than a month, but they got more intense last week when Dhaka University police intervened.
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- With inputs from agencies
