During the Bimstec Summit in Bangkok on Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a significant meeting with Bangladesh’s interim leader, Muhammad Yunus, voicing serious concern over the treatment of minorities, especially Hindus, in the neighbouring country.

This was the first meeting between the two leaders since student protests in August led to the ousting of Sheikh Hasina’s government. The issue of minority safety in Bangladesh has since become a major point of tension in bilateral relations, with India repeatedly urging Dhaka to take stronger action.

Modi firmly conveyed India’s concern and urged Bangladesh to ensure the protection of all minority communities. He called for thorough investigations into all reported cases of violence and discrimination. “India expects accountability and action on these matters,” said Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri during a press briefing.

The two leaders also discussed other sensitive topics, including Dhaka’s request to extradite Sheikh Hasina, border management, transnational crimes, and the conduct of future elections in Bangladesh. While India did not issue a detailed comment on these discussions, Bangladesh’s official statement described the talks as “open, meaningful and forward-looking.”

Addressing Modi’s concerns, Yunus dismissed the reports of minority-targeted attacks as exaggerated or false, claiming that many such incidents were “fabricated.” He invited Indian journalists to visit Bangladesh to verify facts firsthand and said his administration has set up mechanisms to track and prevent religious violence.

Yunus also brought up the issue of Sheikh Hasina’s presence in India, accusing her of making provocative statements aimed at destabilising Bangladesh. He urged India to take steps to curb her public rhetoric. “Her remarks have been inflammatory, and the UN has recorded human rights violations committed under her party’s leadership,” Yunus said.

While acknowledging the extradition request was discussed, Misri refrained from providing further details, noting the legal process was still underway.

PM Modi reiterated India's commitment to a peaceful, democratic, and inclusive Bangladesh, emphasising people-centric cooperation that has brought tangible benefits to citizens on both sides. He also called for constructive dialogue to resolve all bilateral issues without inflammatory rhetoric.

On the subject of border security, Modi highlighted the need for strict enforcement to prevent illegal crossings, especially during nighttime. He proposed that both nations continue engaging through formal channels to strengthen border management.

Yunus, in turn, raised Bangladesh’s concerns over cross-border casualties and called for joint efforts to reduce such incidents. The Bangladeshi statement cited Modi saying that Indian forces act only in self-defence and that such fatalities occurred within Indian territory.

Election-related matters were also touched upon, with Modi stressing the importance of democratic processes and inclusive participation in Bangladesh. “Regular elections are the cornerstone of democracy,” said Misri.

Other topics included the renewal of the Ganges Water Treaty (due to expire in 2026), the long-pending Teesta water-sharing issue, and greater regional integration under Bimstec, which Bangladesh currently chairs. Yunus sought India’s support for a regional free trade agreement among the seven member states.

He concluded the meeting by reaffirming Bangladesh’s deep appreciation for India’s enduring support, especially during the country’s independence movement in 1971.