Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced today on X (formerly Twitter) that Bangladesh has committed to ensuring the safety and security of Hindus and other minorities within its borders. The assurance came during a phone call with Professor Muhammad Yunus, the chief adviser of Bangladesh's interim government.
In his Independence Day address, PM Modi expressed concern over the recent violence in Bangladesh and emphasized that the safety of Hindus and minorities in the neighboring country is of great importance to India’s 1.4 billion citizens. He voiced hope that the situation would soon return to normal.
"Had a phone conversation with Professor Muhammad Yunus. We discussed the current situation, and I reiterated India's support for a democratic, stable, peaceful, and progressive Bangladesh. He assured me of the protection, safety, and security of Hindus and all minorities in Bangladesh," PM Modi stated in his post.
Earlier this week, Muhammad Yunus visited the Dhakeshwari Temple in Dhaka, where he addressed the concerns of the Hindu community. He pledged to take action against those responsible for the recent violence that targeted minorities following the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Recent reports from Bangladesh have shown disturbing images of attacks on Hindu communities and other minority groups. Several temples, including the ISKCON temple, were vandalized, and the Indian Cultural Centre in Dhaka was destroyed. These incidents have sparked widespread concern in India.
Shashi Tharoor, Congress MP and Opposition leader, also spoke out on the violence against Hindus in Bangladesh. His comments resonated across party lines, as he condemned the attacks and emphasized the strong ties between India and Bangladesh. "It's tragic that what began as a democratic revolution has devolved into violence and chaos, particularly against the minority Hindu community. India must stand in solidarity with the people of Bangladesh, but we cannot ignore the attacks on symbols of our friendship with Bangladesh," Tharoor said in a statement to ANI.
On Tuesday, tensions escalated when Bangladesh army personnel clashed with Hindu protesters in Dhaka. The demonstrators, holding posters of missing family members, gathered outside Jamuna State Guest House, where Muhammad Yunus is currently residing.
Sheikh Hasina, who had governed Bangladesh for 15 years, stepped down from her position as Prime Minister amid massive protests. The unrest, which began as opposition to a job-quota scheme, evolved into a broader movement demanding her resignation. The controversial quota system reserved 30 percent of civil service jobs for families of veterans from the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War.