Muhammad Yunus Assures PM Modi of Minority Protection in Bangladesh

Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in a phone conversation with Bangladesh’s interim leader, Muhammad Yunus, on Friday to discuss the current situation in Bangladesh following the ouster of Sheikh Hasina. During the call, both leaders exchanged views on the ongoing developments in the country.

PM Modi, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), reaffirmed India’s commitment to supporting a “democratic, stable, peaceful, and progressive” Bangladesh. In response, Yunus assured Modi of the safety and security of Hindus and other minority communities residing in Bangladesh.

PM Modi shared his conversation on X, stating, “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.”

Yunus’s assurance follows recent reports of attacks on the Hindu community in Bangladesh, raising concerns about the safety of minorities in the country.

Earlier, Prime Minister Modi had emphasized the importance of protecting Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh when he congratulated Yunus on assuming his role as the chief advisor to the interim government. Modi also expressed his concerns during his Independence Day address, highlighting the significance of ensuring the safety of minorities in Bangladesh.

“As a neighboring country, I can understand the concerns regarding the situation in Bangladesh. I hope the situation normalizes soon,” Modi said during his address from the Red Fort.

He further stressed the importance of securing the rights and safety of the Hindu and minority communities in Bangladesh, stating, “The concerns of 140 crore Indians regarding the security of Hindus and minorities there must be addressed.”

Meanwhile, Bangladesh’s acting foreign minister, Touhid Hossain, mentioned on Thursday that the interim government would consider requesting India to extradite Sheikh Hasina as legal cases against her, including murder charges, continue to mount. Hossain noted that if the home and law ministries decided, they might formally request her return to Bangladesh.

“This could create an awkward situation for the Indian government,” Hossain remarked, adding that India is aware of the situation and will likely handle it appropriately. Indian officials have not yet responded to Hossain’s comments.