Independence Day 2024: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday exuded hope that the situation in Bangladesh will normalise soon. Speaking during the Independence Day speech from Delhi’s Red Fort, the Prime Minister said that the safety of Hindus and minority communities should be ensured.
"As a neighbouring country, I can understand the concern regarding whatever has happened in Bangladesh. I hope that the situation there gets normal at the earliest. The concerns of 140 crore countrymen to ensure the safety of Hindus and minorities there - India always wants our neighbouring countries to walk the path of prosperity and peace. We are committed to peace...In the days to come, we will continue to wish well for Bangladesh in its 'Vikas Yatra' because we think about the welfare of humankind," PM Modi said.
A number of Hindu temples, households and businesses were vandalised, women assaulted and at least two Hindu leaders affiliated with the Awami League party headed by Sheikh Hasina were killed in the violence in Bangladesh after she fled the country, according to community leaders in Dhaka.
Earlier, members of the minority community held a protest in Bangladesh over the recent violence that unfolded ever since former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned on August 5. The minority Hindu community gathered outside the Jamuna State Guest House in Dhaka where Muhammad Yunus, the Chief Advisor of the interim government, is staying.
On Tuesday, Bangladesh's Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus reached out to the distressed Hindu community as he visited a centuries-old temple, where he urged them to "exercise patience" and assured them that his government would punish those who attacked the minority members, as reported by news agency PTI.
The 84-year-old economist, who took charge as the Chief Advisor of the interim government on August 8 amid ongoing violence and vandalism, visited the Dhakeshwari temple - one of the prominent Shakti peethas - in Dhaka and said each one's rights should be ensured and blamed "institutional decay" for the predicament that his country has fallen into.
Hindus Facing Violence For No Reason: Bhagwat
RSS Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat on Thursday said Hindus living there were being subjected to violence for no reason. He said that our country has the responsibility to ensure they do not face any injustice and atrocities.
Bhagwat was speaking after hoisting the national flag at the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) headquarters in the Mahal area of Nagpur on the occasion of Independence Day. "The coming generation has the duty to protect the 'swa' of the'swatantrata' (freedom) because there are always people in the world who want to dominate other countries, and we have to be alert and careful and protect ourselves from them," he said.
The situation does not remain the same all the time. Sometimes it is good, while it is not so good at others. These ups and downs will continue, he said. "We can see the situation now. A lot of violence is taking place in the neighbouring country, and Hindus living there are facing the heat without any reason," he said without naming Bangladesh.
"India has the tradition of helping others. We have seen in the last few years that India has never attacked anyone, but helped those who were in trouble irrespective of how they behave with us," the RSS chief said.
In this situation, we have to see that our country remains safe and at the same time help other countries, he said. "Our country has the responsibility to ensure that the people facing the heat of instability and anarchy do not have to face any trouble, injustice, or atrocities. In some cases, the government has to see on its own level, but it gets strength only when society fulfills its duty and shows commitment towards the country," Bhagwat added.