Bangladesh interim govt head Muhammad Yunus calls PM Modi, ’assures safety and security of Hindus, minorities’

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday held a telephonic conversation with Mohammad Yunus, the Chief Adviser of the interim government of Bangladesh.

During the conversation, PM Modi emphasised the need for the safety and protection of Hindus and other minority communities in Bangladesh.

Yunus has assured the protection, safety and security of Hindus and all minorities in Bangladesh, said the Indian Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).

In a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Modi said that he reiterated India's support for a democratic, stable, peaceful and progressive Bangladesh.

He said: “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.”

The two leaders also discussed ways to take the bilateral relationship forward in line with the respective national priorities.

PM Modi had, in his Independence Day address on Thursday, voiced concern over the safety of Hindus and other minorities in the neighbouring country.

“As a neighbouring country, I can understand the concern regarding whatever has happened in Bangladesh. I hope that the situation there will become normal soon,” the prime minister had said.

“In particular, the concerns of 140 crore countrymen is that the safety and security of Hindus and minorities there is ensured. India always wants that the neighbouring country marches on the path of peace and prosperity,” Modi had said.

Nobel Peace Laureate Muhammad Yunus was appointed as the Chief Adviser following the fall of the Sheikh Hasina-led government.

Hasina was forced to resign and flee Bangladesh after student protests turned into a massive anti-government movement. She had fled to India on August 5.

Amid the ongoing attacks on the minority Hindu population in Bangladesh, Muhammad Yunus on August 13 had asked the people to “exercise patience” before judging his government's role.

He had also said that each person’s rights should be ensured and blamed “institutional decay” for the predicament that his country has fallen into.