The New Indian Express News

Tharoor warns of Bangladesh unrest, calls for peace and respect for democratic norms

PATNA: Senior Congress leader and chairperson of the parliamentary standing committee on external affairs, Shashi Tharoor, on Saturday expressed deep concern over the prevailing mob rule and instability in Bangladesh, warning that the unrest could adversely affect both Bangladesh and India. Speaking to media at Patna airport ahead of his participation in the five-day Nalanda Literature Festival, starting Sunday at Rajgir, Tharoor said that mob rule in Bangladesh was not good either for Bangladesh or India. He stressed that Indias interest is driven by a stable and democratic Bangladesh, and peace and democratic norms must be upheld. Elections are also going to be held there in February, and we want democracy to return there, but the way the situation is going there is very concerning, he said, adding, Such a situation is not good for both countries; we want peace there. Tharoor also expressed concern over the mob lynching of 27-year-old Hindu man Dipu Chandra Das in Bangladeshs Mymensingh district over alleged blasphemy. He questioned the countrys interim government on what steps were being taken to hold perpetrators accountable and prevent such incidents in the future. Such mob rule should not prevail. The Parliamentary Standing Committee has also said that we want good relations with Bangladesh, and peace should be maintained there, he added. Addressing another recent incident, Tharoor commented on a viral video showing Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar allegedly pulling down a womans hijab. He said, All women should be respected, and this incident was not right. Earlier on X, Tharoor expressed concern over targeted attacks on Bangladeshi media outlets. Deeply concerned by the reports from Bangladesh. The targeted mob attacks and arson at the offices of Prothom Alo and The Daily Starn are more than just an assault on two media houses; they are an assault on the freedom of the press and the very foundation of a pluralistic society. I am concerned about the well-being of editor @MahfuzAnamDS and other courageous journalists, he wrote. Tharoors comments come amid heightened tensions in Bangladesh, with mob attacks, arson, and violence raising alarms over the state of law and order and the stability of democratic governance in the region.