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Shashi Tharoor Warns On Bangladesh Anarchy: Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has expressed concern over mobocracy in Bangladesh, attacks on media and closure of Indian visa centres. He has demanded the interim government to take concrete steps for stability and democracy. Along with this, he said that the dominance of mobocracy in the neighboring country is a matter of serious concern for India also.
Shashi Tharoor Warns On Bangladesh Anarchy: Senior Congress leader and Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs Shashi Tharoor has given a stern warning on the growing political crisis in Bangladesh. Tharoor said that mobocracy is becoming dominant in Bangladesh, which is not only a threat to the democratic process there, but is also posing a serious regional threat to the entire region, especially India. In his detailed statement, Tharoor has expressed deep concern over the recent reports coming from Bangladesh. He described the attacks on freedom of the press as a direct attack. Referring to the incidents of arson and attacks on the offices of major media houses like Prothom Alo and Daily Star, Tharoor said that journalists should not be forced to post messages in a hurry to save their lives after seeing their offices burnt. Mobocracy cannot be allowed to dominate under any circumstances.
As another serious issue, Tharoor termed the forced suspension of visa services at the Indian Assistant High Commissions in Khulna and Rajshahi as a major setback. Due to security reasons, these centers had to be closed, due to which thousands of students, patients and families are directly affected. Tharoor demanded the interim government maintain diplomatic missions as secure zones and provide additional security to targeted embassies and consulates.
Bad sign for democracy
In the context of the proposed national elections to be held on February 12 next year, Tharoor described the current atmosphere of violence and intolerance as an inauspicious sign for democracy. He said that if Bangladesh wants to come out of this transition period with a democratic form, then priority will have to be given to constructive dialogue instead of mobocracy. For this, interim chief Mohammad Yunus himself should come forward and lead.
Tharoor stressed that stability in Bangladesh is of utmost importance for the entire South Asian region. India wants a stable, prosperous and peaceful neighbourhood. Instability in Bangladesh has a direct impact on India’s security, border management and economic interests. He appealed to the interim government to take three major steps. Firstly, to ensure complete security of journalists and media, secondly – to protect Indian diplomatic establishments and thirdly – to make concrete efforts to restore peace.
This statement of Tharoor has come at a time when political turmoil is at its peak in Bangladesh. There are continuous reports of attacks on media, protests and threats to minorities. In the recent report of the parliamentary committee, Bangladesh has also been described as the biggest strategic challenge for India after 1971. In the end, Tharoor expressed hope that peace would soon be restored in Bangladesh and the voice of the people would be heard through the ballot box, and not through violence and threats. He said that we wish for a secure environment where democracy can truly flourish.
