Meghmallar strikes back as DUCSU results worry Shashi Tharoor

The recent remarks made by Indian politician Shashi Tharoor on the rise of Jamaat-e-Islami in Bangladesh have ignited a heated response from Meghmallar Bosu, the General Secretary candidate from the 'Force of Resistance' panel in Dhaka University's Dhaka University Central Students' Union (DUCSU) elections.

Meghmallar, who garnered almost 5,000 votes despite facing significant opposition from rightwing forces, has lashed out at Tharoor for his comments on Bangladesh's political dynamics, particularly regarding the Jamaat-e-Islami's increasing influence.

In a direct response posted on social media, Meghmallar took aim at Shashi's assessment of the political situation in Bangladesh, accusing him of failing to understand the broader context of the nation’s political landscape.

Shashi’s concern for Bangladesh's political landscape

Shashi’s comments, made public on X, touched on the growing frustration among the Bangladeshi populace with both major political parties—the Awami League and the Bangladesh National Party (BNP). He pointed to the fact that disillusioned voters were increasingly turning to the Jamaat-e-Islami, not because of any religious fervour, but rather due to the perception that the party was not mired in corruption like the country's two main political players.

Shashi raised concerns that this growing sentiment could play a role in the outcome of the 2026 general elections, potentially leading to a rise in the Jamaat-e-Islami's power, which could have significant ramifications for India's foreign policy and regional stability.

Meghmallar’s rebuttal: 'No room for foreign lectures'

Meghmallar Bosu, known for his strong stance against the current political order in Bangladesh, wasted no time in firing back. In a candid message addressed to Shashi, Meghmallar rejected the notion that Jamaat's rising influence was solely a product of disenfranchised voters seeking an alternative to the mainstream parties.

He argued that Shashi’s failure to understand the complexities of Bangladeshi politics was evident in his comments and warned him against giving unsolicited lectures on Bangladesh’s political affairs.

Meghmallar was particularly critical of Shashi’s reference to the Jamaat-e-Islami’s electoral prospects, suggesting that the Indian politician had inadvertently played into the hands of the far-right in Bangladesh by focusing on the growing influence of the party.

He accused Shashi of doing a PR campaign for the Jamaat by highlighting their electoral potential in such a manner, which Meghmallar argued could empower the party further.

The most stinging part of Meghmallar’s response came when he pointed out the hypocrisy of Shashi’s stance. Meghmallar referenced Shashi's own right-wing electoral campaign in Kerala, particularly his controversial stance on the Sabarimala issue, suggesting that Shashi had no moral authority to comment on political matters in Bangladesh.

He accused Shashi of taking a "glass house" approach to criticism, noting the repeated failure of Indian political forces, including Shashi's own party, to challenge right-wing forces such as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in national elections.

Meghmallar’s message concluded with a firm declaration that the people of Bangladesh would stand resilient in the face of both Islamofascism and Hindutva fascism, but would not tolerate foreign interference or unsolicited advice in their political affairs.

He also invited Shashi to focus on his own country’s political issues, particularly the growing influence of the BJP, before commenting on Bangladesh's internal matters.