New Delhi, August 12 — Influential Congress leader and Lok Sabha member Shashi Tharoor has commended the Indian government for providing refuge to Bangladesh's Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina following her resignation amidst widespread protests. In an interview with NDTV, Tharoor emphasized that the change of power in neighboring countries should not be a matter of concern for India.

Tharoor lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi's administration for its decision to shelter Sheikh Hasina, highlighting the importance of standing by friends in times of need. "If we had not helped her, it would have been dishonorable to India. No one would want to be our friend if we misbehaved with our friends. Sheikh Hasina is India's friend, and India is her friend. When a friend is in trouble, you don't think twice before helping them. The government did the right thing by bringing her here and ensuring her safety," Tharoor remarked.

Addressing the question of how long Sheikh Hasina might remain in India, Tharoor expressed that it is not a matter of immediate concern. "You don't bring anyone to your house and ask when they're leaving. We'll wait and see how long she wishes to stay. We should be proud that when our friend was in danger, we were by her side."

Tharoor further emphasized the importance of maintaining close and friendly relations with Bangladesh, stating that the welfare of the Bangladeshi people is India's primary concern. "We are on the side of Bangladeshis, as we were in 1971. We have always stood by them through thick and thin. Even when their government has not been particularly friendly towards us, we have maintained the balance of bilateral relations, and there will surely be no deterioration in this relationship in the future."

Regarding the interim government in Bangladesh, led by Nobel laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus, Tharoor dismissed concerns about potential threats to India's interests. "I know Dr. Muhammad Yunus personally. He is a highly respected individual with closer ties to Washington than to Jamaat-e-Islami or the Pakistani ISI," Tharoor said. He added that the interim government's structure does not indicate any influence from countries hostile to India.

Tharoor did, however, acknowledge the possibility of external actors, particularly Pakistan's ISI and China, attempting to exploit the situation in Bangladesh. "Fishing in the murky waters of China or Pakistan is always a major concern for India," he noted, while also expressing confidence that Dr. Yunus's initial statements do not raise any immediate concerns for India.

On the issue of attacks on minorities in Bangladesh, Tharoor acknowledged conflicting reports but highlighted instances of solidarity where Bangladeshi Muslims protected Hindu homes and temples. He praised Dr. Yunus for urging calm and standing by minorities, viewing it as a positive sign in a difficult situation.

Sheikh Hasina resigned from her position as Prime Minister of Bangladesh on August 5 and sought refuge in India amidst escalating public protests. Following her arrival, Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar addressed the situation in an all-party meeting, which was followed by discussions in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. The opposition parties, including the Congress, have expressed their support for the central government's initiatives concerning the ongoing situation in Bangladesh.