Tharoor Defends India’s Stand on Sheikh Hasina
His remarks come amid renewed strain in India-Bangladesh relations following the killing of youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi in Dhaka
Thiruvananthapuram: Congress MP Shashi Tharoor said India had acted in the “right humanitarian spirit” by not forcing Bangladesh’s former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to return, noting that she has been a long-standing friend of India and deserved safety while legal aspects are examined.
“As far as Sheikh Hasina is concerned, India has acted in the right humanitarian spirit not to force somebody back who has been a good friend of India for many years,” Tharoor told ANI on Wednesday.
He said extradition matters involve complex legal provisions, treaties and exceptions that only a few experts fully understand. Tharoor added that the government should carefully study all legal aspects before taking any decision.
“I would leave it to the government to do the appropriate consideration. But in the meantime, when we are being hospitable to a good friend, I think we should just allow her to remain safely until and unless the government has studied all those things in much more detail,” he said.
His remarks come amid renewed strain in India-Bangladesh relations following the killing of youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi in Dhaka, which triggered anti-India protests amid rising political tensions in Bangladesh.
Hadi, a prominent figure associated with last year’s July uprising, was killed in the capital, sparking unrest and demonstrations during a period of political instability.
Following the protests, the Bangladesh government announced the suspension of visa services in India, after demonstrations were held outside Bangladeshi diplomatic missions.
Separately, protests also erupted after the killing of Dipu Chandra Das, a young Hindu man who was lynched in Mymensingh, drawing strong reactions from minority groups and civil society organisations.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh Nationalist Party Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman returned to Dhaka on Thursday after 17 years in exile. His return is being seen as a major political event following the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina during last year’s July uprising.
Rahman arrived from London aboard a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight, accompanied by his wife Zubaida Rahman and daughter Zaima Rahman, according to bdnews24.
Bangladesh is scheduled to hold its national parliamentary elections in February next year.