Shibir's victory in DUCSU a concern for India’s future: Shashi Tharoor

Indian politician Shashi Tharoor has expressed concern over the growing influence of Jamaat-e-Islami (JEI) in Bangladesh, following a significant victory by its student wing, Shibir, in the Dhaka University Central Students' Union (DUCSU) elections.

Tharoor described the development as a "worrying sign" for the future of the region, warning of potential implications for India’s foreign policy.

In a post on social media, Tharoor explained that while the issue may seem insignificant to many Indians, it reflects deeper political trends in Bangladesh.

He noted that public dissatisfaction with the two main political parties, the Awami League and the Bangladesh National Party (BNP), which have both been mired in corruption and mismanagement, is driving many citizens towards the JEI.

According to Tharoor, this shift is not motivated by ideological extremism, but by the perception that the JEI represents an alternative that is less tainted by corruption.

Tharoor also raised questions about how these political dynamics might affect Bangladesh’s upcoming general elections, scheduled for February 2026. He warned that if the trend continues, Bangladesh could see a shift towards a Jamaat-majority government, which would have significant ramifications for regional stability and India’s diplomatic relations with its neighbour.