Shashi Tharoor Slams Provocative ‘Seven Sisters’ Remark by Bangladeshi Leader, Calls It Irresponsible and Dangerous

Congress Member of Parliament and Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs Shashi Tharoor has strongly condemned a provocative statement made by a Bangladeshi student leader regarding India’s northeastern states, popularly known as the “Seven Sisters.” Tharoor described such remarks as irresponsible, foolish, and capable of worsening an already volatile situation in Bangladesh.

Reacting to the statement, Tharoor said that certain non-serious elements in Bangladesh are making reckless comments that could inflame tensions and harm bilateral relations. He emphasized that it is the responsibility of the Bangladeshi government to control such voices and ensure that India’s core national interests are not threatened.

“You may have seen a recent statement by a so-called student leader claiming he would separate seven Indian states from the rest of the country. Who is he to make such claims?” Tharoor remarked. “But people are making these statements openly, and that is precisely why the situation is becoming worrying.”

Response to Anti-India Rhetoric

Tharoor was responding to remarks made by Hasnat Abdullah, a leader of Bangladesh’s National Citizen Party, who allegedly threatened to shelter anti-India separatists and made inflammatory comments about detaching India’s northeastern region. The statement was reportedly made from the Inquilab Manch in Dhaka and has drawn sharp reactions in New Delhi.

Tharoor noted that such rhetoric not only undermines regional stability but also places an obligation on the Bangladeshi authorities to act decisively. “We expect the government of Bangladesh to take appropriate steps to ensure that its territory is not used in any manner that harms India’s fundamental interests,” he said.

India Supports Stability, Peace in Bangladesh

Speaking to the media outside Parliament, Tharoor reiterated India’s commitment to supporting peace, stability, and democratic restoration in Bangladesh. He added that India expects reciprocal responsibility from Dhaka in maintaining constructive bilateral relations.

Earlier, the parliamentary committee led by Tharoor had submitted a detailed report to Parliament on the deteriorating situation in Bangladesh following the exit of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, highlighting concerns over law and order and extremist activity.

Rising Violence and Diplomatic Concerns

India recently summoned Bangladesh’s High Commissioner Riaz Hamidullah to lodge a strong protest over the worsening security situation. According to reports, Hasnat Abdullah’s inflammatory remarks were among the key reasons for India’s diplomatic demarche.

In recent days, violent protests have erupted near the Indian High Commission in Dhaka and the assistant high commissions in Chattogram, Khulna, and Rajshahi. These protests intensified following the death of radical student leader Usman Hadi, who succumbed to injuries at a Singapore hospital after an attack last week.

Mob Lynching of Hindu Youth Sparks Outrage

The situation further deteriorated after a horrific incident in Mymensingh district, where a Hindu youth was allegedly accused of blasphemy, lynched by a mob, hung from a tree, and his body set on fire in full public view. The incident has triggered widespread condemnation and raised serious concerns about the safety of religious minorities in Bangladesh.

The interim government led by Muhammad Yunus has condemned the violence and assured strict action against those responsible, stating that such acts have no place in the country.

Call for Responsible Governance

Political analysts believe that Shashi Tharoor’s sharp remarks reflect growing concern within India over anti-India rhetoric, extremist violence, and minority persecution in Bangladesh. Tharoor’s message underscores the need for responsible governance in Dhaka to prevent further deterioration of regional peace and diplomatic ties.