Bangladesh Protest: 'We have no desire to control Bangladesh, we are helpful...', said Shashi Tharoor on India's stance

The violence in Bangladesh is continuing. The situation has worsened amid fierce arson. Even after Sheikh Hasina resigned from the post of Prime Minister and left the country, the protesters are still on the streets. On the current situation in the neighboring country, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor said that the first and most important signal we need to give to the people of Bangladesh is that we stand with them. We have no selfish motive hidden in this.

End of Sheikh Hasina era

On Sheikh Hasina and the current political situation in Bangladesh, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor said, 'This is very clearly the end of the Sheikh Hasina era, there is no doubt about it. She is 76 years old and I don't think she is planning a return to power while sitting in exile, it would be unwise.'

India worked fairly with every government

The Congress MP further said, 'We have seen a long-running drama over the last half-century between the forces associated with the liberation movement, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and now his daughter. On the other hand, there are people connected to the military and a lesser extent to more Islamist forces within Bangladesh. Bangladesh was once East Pakistan. There is a certain basis for Islamist fervor in parts of that society. India has worked fairly with every government, even those that were not openly friendly towards us. I think we have to continue to do exactly that.'

Be prepared to help

When asked about the interim government in Bangladesh, Tharoor said, "I think we should position ourselves as being prepared to help them. India should reassure everybody that we are not an unfriendly power and we have no desire to dominate or control what is happening in Bangladesh. We want to be helpful. I think that would be the kind of message that should be sent both publicly and privately."

As far as India is concerned...

On the deteriorating situation in Bangladesh, the Congress MP said, 'As far as India is concerned, we need to give the first and foremost signal to the people of Bangladesh that we stand with them. India has no other vested interest in this. There are some disturbing reports of attacks on Hindu homes, temples, and individuals. We all saw pictures of looting yesterday. Maybe in a few days, the situation will calm down and stabilize. If this does not happen then there is also a danger of refugees coming to our country and this will be a matter of serious concern.'

Who will be in the interim government?

He further said, 'I hope our High Commissioner and our staff are safe and are closely monitoring the situation. We still do not know who will be in the interim government. Some concerns in India are understandable about the growing influence of Jamaat-e-Islami, which has adopted a very hostile attitude towards India in the past and possible intervention by China and Pakistan may also increase concerns. We do not want an unstable or unfriendly neighbor.'

Also Read: Ayodhya rape case: Akhilesh adamant on the demand for DNA test, Awadhesh Prasad said- the accused should be given death penalty