Alina
Mamata Offers Shelter to Bangladesh Refugees
Kolkata: Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced on Sunday that her government is prepared to provide shelter to people fleeing violence in Bangladesh, emphasizing that no one will be turned away if they seek refuge in Bengal.
“I cannot make any comments on the situation in Bangladesh as it is another country and only the Indian government has the right to speak about it. But if helpless people from Bangladesh knock on Bengal’s doors, we will give them shelter. There is a resolution of the United Nations to respect refugees from neighbouring nations. There was once a conflict with the Bodos in Assam. Refugees stayed in Alipurduar for a long time. I also went to meet them,” she stated.
At the end of her speech, Banerjee reassured all possible assistance to anyone from Bengal or their relatives who may be stranded in Bangladesh. “If someone has gone to Bangladesh for studies or for medical treatment and is stuck there, we are here to help in any way needed,” she said.
She also cautioned people on this side of the border to remain calm and avoid any provocation related to the situation in Bangladesh. “No one should fall into any provocation regarding Bangladesh. No tension should be created. I have sympathy for the situation there. Young students are losing their lives. We are keeping track of the situation,” she added.
Banerjee later posted on X: “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: 35 of them, however, needed help and we provided them with basic amenities and facilitation assistance. United we stand!”
Key Points
- Mamata Banerjee pledged shelter for refugees from violence-hit Bangladesh.
- Assistance for Bengal residents or relatives stranded in Bangladesh was assured.
- Banerjee urged calm and warned against provocation related to the Bangladesh situation.
- The Bengal administration is actively helping returnees from Bangladesh, providing basic amenities and support where needed.
