'Every symbol of India's friendship with Bangladesh is being attacked': Shashi Tharoor

New Delhi: Amid the ongoing violence in Bangladesh, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor said that it is difficult for people in India to be indifferent when every symbol of the country's friendship with Bangladesh is being attacked there.

Degeneration of Democratic Revolution: Tharoor

Pointing to the turmoil in Bangladesh, Tharoor said it is tragic to see what was hailed as a democratic revolution degenerating into anarchy, and violence targeting the minorities and the Hindu minority.

India’s Discomfort Over Attacks on Friendship Symbols

"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.

Destruction of Key Institutions 

He highlighted how several institutions were vandalised during the ongoing violence, making it a "very negative" sign 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."

Impact on Bangladesh’s Global Image

"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.

International Reactions and Implications

Tharoor's comments reflect broader concerns about how the violence in Bangladesh is perceived internationally and its implications for diplomatic relations.

Calls for Reconciliation and Restoring Stability

Tharoor emphasised the need for reconciliation and a return to stability in Bangladesh to mend relations and prevent further negative perceptions.

(With ANI inputs)