Indian National Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has dismissed concerns about recent political shifts in Bangladesh, assuring that the interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus poses no threat to India's interests.
Speaking to the Indian media outlet NDTV on Saturday, Tharoor emphasized that "there is no implication of anything in the composition of the interim government or the initial statements of Mr Yunus that would give us any cause for worry."
Tharoor praised the Indian government for providing refuge to Sheikh Hasina, the former prime minister of Bangladesh, who was forced to step down amid a mass uprising.
He stressed that India's primary interest lay in maintaining close and friendly relations with Bangladesh, prioritizing the well-being of its people over individual leaders. “The state comes second and any individual leader comes third."
"We are with the people of Bangladesh, we were with them in 197; we have been with them through thick and thin, even when they had governments who were less than friendly to us, we managed to keep our relationship on an even keel and certainly there should be no deterioration in that relationship in time to come," he added.
Regarding the interim government led by Dr Yunus, Tharoor expressed confidence in the respected figure, noting that Yunus's alignment appeared more towards Washington “rather than being seen as close to Jamaat-e-Islami or Pakistani ISI.”
Addressing concerns about potential interference from Pakistan and China, Tharoor acknowledged the possibility but maintained that “there is no implication of anything in the composition of the interim government or the initial statements of Mr Yunus that would give us any cause for worry.”
Tharoor also commended the Indian government for providing shelter to Hasina, describing it as a moral obligation. "If we had not helped her, it would have been a disgrace for India. Nobody would have wanted to be our friend if we had treated our friend badly.”
As for the future, Tharoor said India should continue to provide refuge to Hasina for as long as necessary.
Tharoor also touched on reported attacks on minorities in Bangladesh, acknowledging the violence but also highlighting reports of Muslims protecting Hindu homes and temples.
He expressed hope in Yunus's leadership, stating that any continuing violence would likely be instigated by elements traditionally hostile to India.
However, he remained optimistic that the situation would stabilize under the interim government's watch.
Sheikh Hasina has been in India for nearly a week since her ouster on August 5.
Following her arrival, Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar convened an all-party meeting to brief opposition leaders on the situation, who pledged their full support to the government in handling the crisis.