Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has acknowledged the ongoing crisis in Bangladesh, expressing concern about the potential involvement of Pakistan and China. In an interview with NDTV, Tharoor stated that while the new interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus doesn’t pose a cause for alarm for India, the possibility of Pakistani or Chinese influence remains a concern.
Tharoor pointed out that the Chinese, with their strong presence in Bangladesh, might see the crisis as an opportunity to expand their influence. He also suggested that the Pakistani ISI could have been involved in incidents of violence during the protests that led to the crisis.
However, he clarified that there is no reason for India to be concerned about the interim government itself, citing Yunus’s personal connection to Washington and the lack of representation from organizations hostile to India within the government.
Tharoor also commended the Indian government for offering refuge to ousted Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, calling it a necessary act of friendship and a demonstration of India’s commitment to supporting its allies in times of need. He emphasized that India’s decision to provide refuge to Hasina was a natural response to the situation and that the government should be applauded for its swift and decisive action.
The Hasina-led government in Bangladesh was overthrown following nationwide protests in July triggered by a job quota controversy. Hasina reportedly resigned as Prime Minister and fled to India, where she is currently seeking asylum in other countries.
