'I appreciate Modi govt'; MP Shashi Tharoor's rare praise for central govt amidst Bangladesh fracas

NEW DELHI: Congress MP Shashi Tharoor praised the central government for providing asylum for former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in the face of a rebellion in her country. Tharoor assessed the strange happenings in the neighbouring country through a diplomatic lens and opined that India has nothing to worry about.

“The people are the utmost in any country. The Indian government has been keeping a great rapport with Bangladesh since 1971. No matter who comes to power there, India's approach has not changed and will not in the future." said Tharoor.

Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, the interim leader of Bangladesh, responded that India should not have any grievance in the new political situation of Bangladesh. Tharoor knows Yunus personally and kept hope about the Nobel laureate upending the political landscape of the country.

"Even if Yunus has links with Washington, Jamaat-e-Islami or Pakistan's ISI, none of that is a reason for India to have any grievance. But surely, both Pakistan and China will try to fish in troubled waters and India should keep a vigilant eye. I suspect that the ISI has a definite role in exacerbating the problems in Bangladesh. China, which is very independent there, has taken advantage of the opportunity to expand its sphere of influence."

Tharoor praised the Modi government's decision to grant asylum to Sheikh Hasina.

“If Hasina was made to fend for herself at the time of a crisis, it would have been a disgrace for India. Hasina has always been India's friend. When a friend is in danger, we must help them without going for second thoughts. India did exactly that I appreciate the central government for the magnanimous deed. As Indians, we have certain duties towards the world. That is what the government has done in Hasina's case.

Hindu minorities are getting attacked and it is unfortunate. But it is comforting news that Muslim communities in Bangladesh are providing shelter to Hindus in their homes.”