Muhammad Yunus, the Chief Advisor of Bangladesh's interim government, engaged in his first conversation with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi since the resignation of former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on August 5.
"Received a telephone call from Professor Muhammad Yunus. 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," PM Modi shared on X following their discussion on Friday afternoon.
The interim government, sworn in on August 8 under Yunus's leadership, faces a significant challenge with the ongoing violence against minority communities in Bangladesh, particularly Hindus.
"The two leaders also discussed ways to take the bilateral relationship forward in line with the respective national priorities," stated a release from the Prime Minister's Office (PMO).
Prime Minister Modi extended his best wishes to the 84-year-old Nobel laureate and microfinance pioneer on the same day, expressing hope that the new regime would restore peace and ensure the protection of Hindus and other minorities in the neighboring country.
"My best wishes to Professor Muhammad Yunus on the assumption of his new responsibilities. We hope for an early return to normalcy, ensuring the safety and protection of Hindus and all other minority communities. India remains committed to working with Bangladesh to fulfill the shared aspirations of both our peoples for peace, security, and development," Modi posted on X on August 8.
Despite Yunus's pledge to "uphold, support, and protect the constitution and perform duties sincerely" upon taking office, the country has seen a significant outbreak of violence following Hasina's departure from Dhaka, with Hindu homes and places of worship being targeted.
Since August 5, there have been numerous reports of violence against the Hindu community in Bangladesh. On Tuesday, the Bangladesh Jatiya Hindu Mohajot (BJHM), an alliance of 23 religious organizations in the country, reported that Hindu families have faced violence and vandalism at 278 locations across 48 districts since August 5.
Alliance leaders expressed concerns about the safety of Bangladesh's Hindu population, who they say are living in fear and being pressured to leave the country. They called on Yunus to "act fast" during these uncertain times.
"Whenever there is a change in government, Hindus are the first to be attacked. Although there were fewer incidents in the past, they have increased recently. We want to live in this country with security. We were born here, and we have rights in this country," said BJHM President Prabhas Chandra Roy.
On the same day, Yunus visited the historic Dhakeshwari National Temple in Dhaka, where he assured Hindu community leaders that protecting human rights and freedom of speech remains a top priority for his administration.
"Everyone has equal rights in the country. There is no discrimination between us. Please help, be patient, and judge us later on what we did and what we didn't. If we fail, then criticise," Yunus was quoted as saying by local media during his visit to the Dhakeshwari National Temple, a significant place of worship for the Hindu community in the region for over 800 years.
Yunus was accompanied by Asif Nazrul and A.F.M. Khalid Hossain, legal and religious affairs advisors to the interim government, during his temple visit.
As violence continued, PM Modi, in his Independence Day address on Thursday, expressed deep concern over the situation in Bangladesh.
"Whatever is happening in our neighbouring nation (Bangladesh) is very concerning for us. I hope that conditions normalise there... All 140 crore Indians are worried about the safety of Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh. India always wishes for its neighbouring nations to walk on the path of peace and progress. We are committed to maintaining peace," said PM Modi.
The Prime Minister reiterated India's support for Bangladesh's stability and development: "In the coming days, we will always wish well for Bangladesh's 'Vikas Yatra' (journey of development) because we are the well-wishers of humankind."
In an exclusive interview with IANS late Thursday, Abul Fayez Muhammad Khalid Hossain, the Advisor for Religious Affairs in the interim government, described India as Bangladesh's "best neighbour" and credited India with playing a significant role in Bangladesh's independence. He also assured that "work has begun" to take strict action against those responsible for the violence and vandalism targeting minority communities, especially Hindus.
"India is our neighbouring country and we want to maintain peace and tranquility in our country with the goodwill of India," Hossain told IANS in an exclusive interview, as the interim government faced heavy criticism for failing to ensure the security of Hindus in the country.
"India is our best neighbour which had helped us immensely during our liberation. We want to grow relations between the two countries," he added.
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