'India stands with Bangladesh', Shashi Tharoor

Delhi: Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has emphasized the importance of India standing with the people of Bangladesh during the current unrest, which has already claimed over 135 lives.

"As far as India is concerned, the first and most important signal we need to send to the people of Bangladesh is that we stand with them, there are no other vested interests that India has," Tharoor stated.

Tharoor highlighted disturbing reports of attacks on Hindu homes, temples, and individuals, alongside incidents of widespread looting.

"We all saw the pictures of looting yesterday. It may calm down and stabilize in a couple of days. If it doesn't, then there is a risk even of refugees fleeing to our country, and that would be a matter of grave concern."

Expressing hope for the safety of India's High Commissioner and staff in Bangladesh, Tharoor called for close monitoring of the situation. He also noted uncertainties regarding the formation of an interim government in Bangladesh and expressed concerns about the increasing influence of Jamaat-e-Islami, a group known for its hostile stance towards India.

Additionally, Tharoor voiced worries about potential interference from China and Pakistan. "We don't want an unstable or an unfriendly neighbor," he concluded, underscoring the need for stability in the region.

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned from her post on Monday in the wake of mounting protests and landed at the Hindon Air Base near New Delhi in a C-130 Hercules military transport aircraft.

After Hasina left the country, many people entered the Ganabhaban, the residence of the Prime Minister. Bangladeshi media, Prothom Alo, reported that people were seen decamping with various items from public buildings. A crowd was also noticed inside the Parliament building and people were seen taking things from inside the Parliament building as well.