Amidst strained relations between India and Bangladesh, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has asserted that India acted in the "right humanitarian spirit" by providing refuge to Bangladesh's former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Tharoor emphasized Hasina's long-standing friendship with India and her deserving of safety while legal aspects related to her stay are examined.
Tharoor's statement comes at a time when the relationship between the two neighboring countries has been tested by recent events, including protests and diplomatic tensions. The unrest in Bangladesh, triggered by the killing of youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi, has led to anti-India protests and the suspension of visa services. Additionally, the lynching of a Hindu man, Dipu Chandra Das, in Mymensingh, has further fueled tensions and drawn strong reactions from minority groups.
Tharoor acknowledged the complex legal provisions and treaties involved in extradition matters, suggesting the government carefully study all legal aspects before making any decisions. He stated that while these considerations are underway, India should continue to provide a safe haven for Hasina. "As far as Sheikh Hasina is concerned, India has acted in the right humanitarian spirit not to force somebody back who has been a good friend of India for many years," Tharoor told ANI on Wednesday.
The Congress MP also commented on the broader situation in Bangladesh, expressing concern over mob violence, attacks on media, and rising intolerance. He stressed the importance of peace and democratic norms, particularly with elections on the horizon. Tharoor urged the interim government in Bangladesh, led by Muhammad Yunus, to take decisive action to prevent mob rule and safeguard democratic principles.
Tharoor has previously emphasized that India's priority should be the well-being of the Bangladeshi people, rather than any particular political party or community. He has also cautioned that instability in Bangladesh could have significant implications for India, given its shared border and the potential for a hostile government to emerge.
The Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs, chaired by Tharoor, has been closely monitoring the situation in Bangladesh. The committee has acknowledged the Indian government's balanced approach while urging continued support for inclusive and democratic forces in the neighboring country. The committee has also cautioned that the current situation could pose a significant strategic challenge for India, potentially as significant as the 1971 Liberation War.
Despite the current strains, India and Bangladesh share deep historical, cultural, and economic ties. Under Sheikh Hasina's leadership from 2009 to 2024, the two countries enjoyed a strong bilateral relationship, marked by cooperation on security, trade, and connectivity. Key milestones include the Land Boundary Agreement in 2015 and various initiatives to enhance regional integration. However, recent political developments, including Hasina's ouster and rising Islamist influence, have created strategic uncertainty and prompted India to recalibrate its approach.
The coming months will be critical in determining the future trajectory of India-Bangladesh relations. While challenges remain, the deep-rooted ties and shared interests between the two countries provide a foundation for navigating these complexities and fostering a stable and prosperous neighborhood.
