Amid the escalating violence in Bangladesh, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor remarked that it is hard for people in India to remain indifferent as symbols of the country’s friendship with Bangladesh are being targeted. Tharoor described it as tragic to witness what was once celebrated as a democratic revolution deteriorate into chaos, with violence directed at minorities, including the Hindu minority.
“It’s extremely tragic that what was hailed as a democratic, popular revolution has degenerated into anarchy, and violence targeting the minorities and the Hindu minority. We in India, must stand with the people of Bangladesh. But it’s difficult for us to be indifferent when every symbol of India’s friendship with Bangladesh is being attacked,” Tharoor told ANI.
He emphasised that the vandalism of numerous institutions amid the ongoing violence presents a “very negative” signal for people in India.
Tharoor said, “The statue of the surrender of the Pakistani forces to Indian soldiers has been smashed to bits. The Indian Cultural Centre is destroyed, and a number of institutions are vandalised, including the ISKCON temple. All of these things are very negative signs for people in India. It is not in Bangladesh’s interest either to come across in this way.”
“They should be saying that this is about the restoration of their democracy, but in the process, you turn against the minorities and in particular one minority, inevitably, that will be noticed and resented in our country and elsewhere”, he added.
Bangladesh is facing a turbulent political climate following Sheikh Hasina’s resignation as Prime Minister on August 5 due to escalating protests. Initially driven by students calling for an end to the government job quota system, the protests have since evolved into broader anti-government demonstrations.
On Tuesday, a confrontation took place between Bangladesh Army personnel and members of the minority Hindu community who were protesting outside the Jamuna State Guest House in Dhaka. The protesters were holding posters of their missing family members, who disappeared during the recent violence in the country. The interim government chief, Muhammad Yunus, is currently staying at the guest house.
In the early hours of Tuesday, Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, the chief advisor of Bangladesh’s interim government, visited the historic Dhakeshwari Temple in Dhaka. During his visit, he assured the country’s minorities of their safety and security.
“Rights are equal for everyone. We are all one people with one right. Do not make any distinctions among us. Please, assist us. Exercise patience, and later judge — what we were able to do and not. If we fail, then criticise us,” Prof Yunus was quoted as saying by Bangladesh newspaper Daily Star.
“In our democratic aspirations, we should not be seen as Muslims, Hindus, or Buddhists, but as human beings. Our rights should be ensured. The root of all problems lies in the decay of institutional arrangements. That is why such issues arise. Institutional arrangements need to be fixed,” he added.
After Yunus’ visit, a significant meeting took place at the temple between representatives of the Muslim community and the Hindu minority. This meeting provided a platform for open dialogue, allowing both communities to address various issues and work towards enhancing communal harmony.