Image Credits - The Independent
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has expressed deep concern over the escalating protests and unrest in Bangladesh, drawing parallels to historical agitations and stressing the need for stability in the neighboring nation. Tharoor’s remarks come amid reports of significant civil unrest and governmental responses in Bangladesh.
“We are concerned because I believe a hundred lives have been lost, there have been a lot of disruptions,” Tharoor stated, alluding to the gravity of the situation reminiscent of past unrests in India. He likened the atmosphere in Bangladesh to Delhi during the Mandal agitation in 1989 but noted that the scale of the current turmoil extends across the entire country.
Acknowledging Bangladesh’s strategic importance and its role as a success story of development in South Asia, Tharoor underscored the potential regional repercussions should the unrest persist. The protests in Bangladesh in 2024 are primarily driven by opposition to a proposed government bill that introduces quotas for government jobs based on religious affiliation.
Critics argue that the bill institutionalizes discrimination, undermines meritocracy, and could potentially exacerbate social divisions. Protesters advocate for equal opportunities based on merit and express concerns about the bill’s impact on governance, social cohesion, and economic efficiency.
“As neighbors, we have to be concerned not only because stability in Bangladesh is crucial to us but also due to possible regional ramifications,” Tharoor emphasized, highlighting the need for a peaceful resolution to the crisis.
Regarding India’s stance on offering assistance, Tharoor expressed cautious optimism, suggesting that any foreign aid would depend on Bangladesh’s willingness to accept it.
Tharoor concluded by expressing hope that Bangladesh’s government would resolve the situation independently but indicated readiness on India’s part to provide assistance if requested. He emphasized the importance of respecting Bangladesh’s sovereignty while extending support in the interest of regional stability.