Indian Congress MP and chair of parliamentary standing committee on foreign affairs Shashi Tharoor has said that Indian officials posted in Dhaka will engage in direct discussions with Bangladeshi authorities to help defuse the current tensions between the two countries.
Speaking amid unrest in Bangladesh following the killing of martyr Sharif Osman bin Hadi, Tharoor said the situation requires careful handling.
He noted that Indian officials in Dhaka would communicate directly with their Bangladeshi counterparts and seek measures to calm tensions and prevent further escalation.
Tharoor also expressed concern over the closure of two Indian visa centres due to the unrest, describing it as unfortunate for Bangladeshis seeking to travel to India.
He said complaints were emerging that visas were no longer being issued as smoothly as before, making it harder for people to view India as supportive during difficult times.
Calling for restraint, Tharoor urged both the Bangladeshi people and government to recognise the importance of the deep and long-standing relationship between the two neighbours.
Referring to former Indian prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, he said geography cannot be changed and neighbouring countries must learn to work together.
He added that Indian government should closely monitor the evolving situation and ensure that its officials in Dhaka take all necessary steps, in coordination with Bangladeshi authorities, to help cool tensions.
PT/ra
