Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday received a phone call from the chief adviser to Bangladesh interim government Mohammed Yunus and they discussed the current situation prevailing in the neighbouring country along with the reported crimes against the minorities.
PM Modi said that Yunus has assured 'protection, safety and security' of Hindus in Bangladesh along with other minorities living there.
In a post on X, PM Modi wrote, "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 minorities in Bangladesh."
Several protests have taken place across India demanding protection of Hindus in Bangladesh.
In New Delhi, a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said, during the call, Modi reaffirmed India's support for a democratic, stable, peaceful and progressive Bangladesh.
“Modi emphasised India's commitment to supporting the people of Bangladesh through various development initiatives. The Prime Minister also underlined the importance of ensuring the safety and protection of Hindus and all other minority communities in Bangladesh,” the MEA statement said.
“The two leaders also discussed ways to take the bilateral relationship forward in line with the respective national priorities,” the statement added.
Meanwhile, a communication from the Chief Adviser’s office said, the Indian Prime Minister expressed his wish to work with Bangladesh “for the benefit of people as close friends” and also expressed his desire to work closely with the Yunus-led Interim government.
Yunus told Modi that his government is committed to safeguarding every citizen of the country, including the minorities, when the Indian Prime Minister raised the issue of the protection of the minorities.
“The Interim Government has taken over as a result of the student movement. This is a Second Revolution of Bangladesh and his government will fulfil the desire of the democratic aspirations of the students and people,” Yunus said.
“The Chief Adviser said his government is committed to making all state apparatus fully functional and effective and ensuring human rights for every citizen of the country,” the communication from his office added.
Bangladesh saw a spike in violence against members of Hindu communities following the fall of the government led by Sheikh Hasina, who resigned and fled to India on August 5 following massive protests against her government over a controversial quota system in jobs.
The Bangladesh National Hindu Grand Alliance said that the minority community faced attacks and threats in 278 locations across 48 districts since August 5 and termed it as an "assault on the Hindu religion."
Yunus reached out to the distressed Hindu community and urged them to "exercise patience" and assured them that his government would punish those who attacked the minority members.
Newly-appointed Home Affairs Ministry adviser Brigadier General (retd) M Sakhawat Hussain has vowed to take swift legal action against those who attack or abuse minorities, stressing that there is no place for violence, conflict, or hatred in the country. On Monday, Hossain's ministry set up a hotline asking people to provide information about attacks on temples, churches or any other religious institutions.
