Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister took a veiled dig at the opposition over the issues of minorities in Bangladesh by saying that they are afraid to speak on the issue since their vote bank will drift away. In an apparent dig at the opposition parties, CM Yogi said that they are able to highlight Palestine, but overlook the Bangladesh.
"You must have seen that all of them are silent on the incident in Bangladesh because they are afraid that if they speak, their vote bank will drift away and the ground on which they are standing will start burning them. That's why they are silent as they cannot speak on this," CM Yogi told a public gathering in Mathura on Sunday.
"Those who speak vocally on other issues of the world, they are able to see Palestine but overlook Bangladesh," he added.
The UP CM further said that they are unable to see Bangladesh because temples are being demolished in Bangladesh and atrocities being committed on saints.
"That's why we have to look at the current challenges... We should not forget that in 1971, our soldiers made sacrifices to save Bangladesh. Sanatan Dharma should be preserved at all costs. Our heritage must be protected," Yogi added.
Following Sheikh Hasina's resignation on August 5, several Hindu temples, homes and businesses of the minority community in Bangladesh were destroyed amidst the violent protests.
Though the protests continued since July, the looting, arson and attacks on minorities, especially the Hindu community, escalated intensified following Hasina’s resignation.
The Bangladesh National Hindu Grand Alliance said that the minority community faced attacks and threats in 278 locations across 48 districts since the fall of Sheikh Hasina's government.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi while congratulating Bangladesh Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus after his swearing-in and also during his Independence Day speech voiced concern over the safety of Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh.
Yunus in a phone call to PM Modi on August 16 said that the situation has been "brought under control" and life is becoming normal. He assured that the Interim Government would prioritise protection, safety and security of Hindus and all minority groups in Bangladesh.