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Bangladesh Interim Head Md Yunus dials PM Modi, Assures Protection of Hindus and Minorities
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that he received a phone call from Bangladesh’s interim head, Professor Muhammad Yunus. PM Modi stated that Yunus assured him of the protection and security of Hindus and all minorities in Bangladesh. The two leaders discussed the current situation in Bangladesh following the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and reiterated India’s support for a democratic, stable, peaceful, and progressive Bangladesh.
“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,” posted Prime Minister Narendra Modi on "X".
Md Yunus’s assurance comes amid reports of attacks on the Hindu community in Bangladesh, including the destruction of temples and attacks on Hindu individuals by mobs. According to reports, the Indian Cultural Center was destroyed, and numerous minority institutions, including the ISKCON temple, were vandalized.
On Tuesday, Yunus visited the Dhakeshwari Temple in Dhaka, reaching out to the Hindu community and promising to hold accountable those responsible for the violence against minorities. This violence followed the ouster of Sheikh Hasina.
In his Independence Day speech on Thursday, PM Modi expressed concern for the security of Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh. “As a neighboring country, I can understand the concern regarding whatever has happened in Bangladesh. I hope the situation there becomes normal soon. In particular, the concerns of 140 crore Indians that the security of Hindus and minorities there is ensured,” he stated while addressing the nation from the Red Fort.
Modi had previously raised concerns about the safety of Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh when he congratulated Yunus on his appointment as the chief advisor to the interim government.
Additionally, Bangladesh’s de facto foreign minister, Touhid Hossain, mentioned on Thursday that the interim government might consider requesting India to extradite Sheikh Hasina, facing political imprisonment and murder accusations. “If the home and law ministries decide, we have to ask for her... return to Bangladesh. That creates an embarrassing situation for the Indian government. India knows this and I am sure they will take care of it,” Hossain said.
On Tuesday, a clash occurred between Bangladesh army personnel and members of the Hindu minority community protesting the disappearance of family members during the violence. The protest took place outside the Jamuna State Guest House in Dhaka, where Yunus is currently residing.
Sheikh Hasina resigned as Prime Minister following massive protests that began against a job-quota scheme and evolved into a larger movement demanding her resignation. The controversial quota system provided 30 percent reservation in Civil Service jobs for the families of veterans from the 1971 Bangladesh War of Independence.
