In the Independence Day address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep concern over the current spate of violence against Hindus and other minority communities in Bangladesh.
PM Modi drew attention to the plight of minorities—particularly Hindus—in view of the continuing violence in Bangladesh and said, "What is happening in our neighboring country is a matter of deep concern. We wish that peace prevails there soon."
The Prime Minister reiterated security concerns for Hindus in Bangladesh, who have been targeted during the recent political turbulence that followed the anti-quota reform protests and the consequent ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from power.
"All 1.4 billion Indians are deeply troubled by the safety of Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh. India always aspires for its neighboring countries to pursue a path of peace and development. We are committed to upholding peace," PM Modi said.
He further reassured the commitment to Bangladesh's stability and progress with the statement: "In the days ahead, we will continue to wish for the success of Bangladesh's 'Vikas Yatra' as we are committed to the welfare of all humanity."
On August 5, former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina eloped to India amidst history's largest-ever street protest when protesters took over the streets of Dhaka.
The run-up to her departure was violent, with more than 500 casualties and reports of several attacks on the Hindu minority community in Bangladesh.
Soon after the appointment of a new interim government in Bangladesh, PM Modi wrote to 84-year-old Nobel laureate and microfinance innovator Muhammad Yunus, wishing him all the best. In this letter, Modi has expressed the hope that peace would be restored in the neighboring country with the new leadership and Hindus and other minorities there would be saved.
"My best wishes to Professor Muhammad Yunus as he assumes his new responsibility. We look forward to an early return to normalcy, providing the safety and security to Hindus and all other minority communities. India remains committed to working together with Bangladesh towards our common objectives of peace, security and development," Prime Minister Modi shared on X.
Recently, Hasina has called for investigation into killings, vandalism, and arson committed in the name of protests in her country; this was in her first public statement since she was ousted.
Besides, she has called for the identification of the guilty persons among them and bringing them to book while extending her sympathies to the grieving families.
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