Amid reports of violence against Hindus in Bangladesh, Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain has firmly stated that the interim government is actively protecting its citizens, including the Hindu community. Speaking at the UN General Assembly in New York, Hossain acknowledged that some incidents of violence have occurred but criticized their portrayal as primarily anti-Hindu. He emphasized that the government is doing everything possible to ensure the safety and well-being of all citizens, adding that Hindus are “our citizens” and are being taken care of.
These remarks come as Bangladesh faces heightened scrutiny, especially following political instability after the resignation of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The Mohammad Yunus-led interim government has been managing both internal tensions and external criticisms. While the violence against minorities has raised concerns, the government maintains that these issues are being exaggerated, particularly in international and Indian media, and reassures that measures are in place to protect the Hindu population.
Hossain’s statements also coincide with diplomatic discussions between Bangladesh and India. Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar recently met with Hossain on the sidelines of the UNGA, where they discussed these concerns. This meeting underscores India’s interest in the safety of Bangladesh’s Hindu minority, given their cultural and historical ties.
In the midst of these assurances, protests erupted in New York against Yunus, with demonstrators calling for his resignation and accusing the interim government of failing to protect minorities. Despite the political turbulence, the Bangladeshi government insists it is committed to ensuring peace and stability for all its citizens, irrespective of religion.
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The situation remains tense as Bangladesh’s interim government navigates both internal challenges and international pressure, but Hossain’s reassurances signal efforts to address the concerns surrounding the country’s Hindu minority.