Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday spoke to the Head of Bangladesh's interim government, Muhammad Yunus, over the phone on the crisis in the neighbouring country. During the call, Muhammad Yunus assured PM Modi that the safety of Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh will be protected by his government.
After the call, PM Modi posted on X: "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 [sic]."
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been calling on the Bangladesh dispensation to protect the rights of the Hindus and other minorities in the nation since the crisis unfolded after the ouster of former PM Sheikh Hasina. PM Modi reiterated his call to protect Hindus even in his Independence Day speech from the Red Fort on August 15.
As chaos unfolded in Bangladesh after the ouster of Sheikh Hasina and her Awami League, Hindus began to be targeted. Many from the Hindu community were murdered and even lynched. Hindu homes were ransacked and temples vandalised.
As per Bangladesh's 2022 census, Hindus, numbering over 13 million, made up nearly 8% of the population. Since the violence broke out in Bangladesh, Hindus have been living in fear as many temples were vandalised. Yunus took over the reins of Bangladesh on August 10 amid the turmoil. Congratulating him, PM Modi said in an X post: "We hope for an early return to normalcy, ensuring the safety and protection of Hindus and all other minority communities."
In order to reassure the Hindus in Bangladesh, Muhammad Yunus visited the country's national temple, Dhakeshwari Temple. During his visit, he said that human rights and freedom of speech are the top agenda for the interim government. He also said: "Members of the Hindu community are integral to the nation."