Bangladesh has raised objections to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee offering shelter to refugees from the country, saying terrorists might take advantage of such an announcement, sources told India Today TV.
Speaking at the mega 'Martyrs' Day' rally of the Trinamool Congress on July 21, Mamata Banerjee said her government would provide shelter to people from violence-hit Bangladesh "if they come knocking on our doors".
"I cannot speak anything about Bangladesh as it is another country. The Indian government will speak about that. But if helpless people (from Bangladesh) knock on Bengal's door, we will give them shelter. There is a resolution of the United Nations. Neighbours will respect refugees," Mamata Banerjee said.
"I cannot speak anything about Bangladesh as it is another country. The Indian government will speak about that. But if helpless people (from Bangladesh) knock on Bengal's door, we will give them shelter. There is a resolution of the United Nations. Neighbours will respect refugees," Mamata Banerjee said.
The Trinamool Congress supremo reiterated the promise in a tweet later in the day. "Hundreds of students and others are returning to West Bengal/ India, from 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: 35 of them, however, needed help and we provided them with basic amenities and facilitation assistance. United we stand."
According to sources, the Bangladesh government has raised strong objections to Mamata Banerjee's comments with the High Commission of India. Bangladesh said this kind of comment, in particular the assurance of giving shelter to refugees, may provoke many people, especially terrorists and miscreants to take advantage of such an announcement.
Further, Bangladesh informed the High Commission that they were trying to bring normalcy to the situation, and such remarks by the Chief Minister of West Bengal were "misleading".
The Bangladesh government further said that Mamta Banerjee's reference to the United Nations resolution does not prevail in the country.
On Tuesday, Bangladesh's Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud also raised objections to Mamata Banerjee's remark.
"With due respect to the West Bengal Chief Minister, with whom we share a very close relationship, we want to make it clear that her comments have a lot of scope for confusion. Therefore, we have given a note to the Government of India," Mahmud told a local news channel.
Bangladesh witnessed violent protests by students over quotas in government jobs, with some media reports suggesting the death toll to be as high as 184.
A nationwide internet blackout since last week has restricted the flow of information in the country. Limited connectivity was restored on Tuesday night, with priority given to companies such as banks, technology firms and media outlets.
