In a telephone conversation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Muhammad Yunus, the Chief Adviser of Bangladesh’s interim government, to address concerns over the safety and protection of minority communities in Bangladesh, particularly Hindus. This conversation comes in the wake of rising violence in the country, which has raised alarm both domestically and internationally.
Prime Minister Modi expressed India’s unwavering support for a democratic, stable, peaceful, and progressive Bangladesh. He highlighted India’s commitment to aiding the people of Bangladesh through various development initiatives and stressed the importance of safeguarding minority communities, including Hindus. The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) issued a press release confirming these points and underscoring the significance of the discussion.
Received a telephone call from Professor Muhammad Yunus, @ChiefAdviserGoB. Exchanged views on the prevailing situation. Reiterated India's support for a democratic, stable, peaceful and progressive Bangladesh. He assured protection, safety and security of Hindus and all…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 16, 2024
During the call, Muhammad Yunus, a Nobel Peace Laureate who assumed leadership of the interim government following Sheikh Hasina’s resignation, assured Prime Minister Modi that the safety, security, and protection of all minority groups, including Hindus, would be a top priority for his administration. Yunus, aged 84, took office on August 8, following widespread anti-government protests that led to the ousting of Sheikh Hasina, who fled to India on August 5.
The discussion between the two leaders also focused on strengthening the bilateral relationship between India and Bangladesh, aligning their national priorities. Prime Minister Modi took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to share the key points of the conversation, reiterating India’s support for Bangladesh during this tumultuous time.
The situation in Bangladesh has been particularly concerning for the Hindu community, which has faced several incidents of violence in recent weeks. India’s government has repeatedly expressed its concerns, urging the interim government to restore law and order fully. However, the ongoing violence and chaos, especially targeting minorities, remain a critical issue.
As the interim government settles into its role, the question remains whether the violence against Hindus in Bangladesh will come to an end. While Muhammad Yunus has given assurances of prioritizing the protection of minorities, the effectiveness of these measures will only become clear in the coming days. The international community, including India, will be closely monitoring the situation to see if these promises translate into real action on the ground.
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