Congress MP and Chairperson of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs, Shashi Tharoor, issued a stern condemnation of the recent mob violence in Bangladesh On Thursday, December 25, 2025. His remarks follow the brutal killing of Dipu Chandra Das, a Hindu garment worker lynched over false blasphemy allegations in Mymensingh on December 18.
Condemning “Mob Rule” in Bangladesh
Tharoor described the current situation in the neighboring country as a descent into ochlocracy (mob rule). While acknowledging that the interim government had made arrests, he stressed that official statements of regret are insufficient.
- The Incident: Dipu Chandra Das was beaten to death, tied to a tree, and his body set on fire by a mob of over 140 people.
- Tharoor’s Demand: “They need to ensure that the streets are calm again… It is not enough for the government to wring its hands and say sorry. They need to take decisive steps through force if necessary,” he stated.
- Contrast with India: Tharoor defended the right of Hindu groups in India to protest the killing, noting that Indian demonstrations remained peaceful and within the bounds of the law, unlike the violent “lawless elements” he says are currently “running amok” in Bangladesh.
Diplomatic Tensions & Envoy Summons
The lynching has sparked a diplomatic firestorm between New Delhi and Dhaka, leading to several retaliatory actions this week:
| Action | Result |
| Visa Suspension | Bangladesh suspended visa services in Kolkata, Agartala, and New Delhi citing security concerns. |
| Envoy Summons | Both nations summoned each other’s high commissioners to register formal protests. |
| Indian Protests | Massive rallies were held in Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata; a small group breached barricades near the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi on Tuesday. |
The Hasina Dilemma: Hospitality vs. Extradition
Tharoor also addressed the sensitive issue of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who has been in exile in India since August 2024. Despite a death sentence handed to her in absentia by a Bangladeshi tribunal for “crimes against humanity,” Tharoor backed her continued stay in India.
- Humanitarian Spirit: He argued that India is acting in the right spirit by hosting a “good friend” who stood by India for years.
- Extradition Treaty: Referring to the 2013 Extradition Treaty, Tharoor noted that the legal caveats are complex and should be left to the government to study thoroughly.
- The “Death Penalty” Stance: Tharoor reiterated his personal opposition to the death penalty, especially in “trials in absentia” where the accused cannot defend themselves.