Muhammad Yunus, the Chief Adviser to Bangladesh’s caretaker government has assured Prime Minister Narendra Modi of protecting Hindus and all minorities in Bangladesh.
Yunus Calls Modi
Nobel Peace laureate Muhammad Yunus called PM Modi and assured him of protection, safety and security of Hindus and all minorities in Bangladesh.
The octogenarian banker, economist and civil society leader however said that reports of attacks on Hindus and other minorities in the Muslim-majority country are “exaggerated”.
First Contact At Top Level Since August 5
Significantly, this is the first apex-level contact between the two countries since the August 5 ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Modi Mentions Call On Social Media
PM Modi put out a post on X about the call from Muhammad Yunus.
“Received a telephone call from Professor Muhammad Yunus, @ChiefAdviserGoB”
The Prime Minister said that he exchanged views with Yunus, on the prevailing situation.
“Reiterated India’s support for a democratic, stable, peaceful and progressive Bangladesh.”
Yunus Steering The Interim Goverment
Within a week of Sheikh Hasina’s resignation, Muhammad Yunus took over as Chief Adviser of the interim government.
Yunus, a noted economist was in Paris when Hasina’s government fell but he returned to Bangladesh to steer the interim government.
Attacks on Hindus
A schoolteacher was killed and at least 45 people injured as homes, businesses, and temples of Hindus were targeted last week.
Two Hindu leaders were also killed.
This happened after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s resignation amid violent protests.
Hindu-majority India has strong cultural and business ties with its neighbour.
Modi Government Voiced Concern Over Attacks on Hindus
Modi’s government has expressed concern over the spate of attacks on Hindus.
The caretaker government is committed to “ensuring human rights for every citizen of the country”, he added.
Areas Affected By Violence
The Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council estimates at least 52 of the country’s 64 districts have been affected by incidents of sectarian violence since Aug. 5, the day Hasina fled to India.
Hundreds of Hindus have been trying to flee to India to escape the violence, local residents told Reuters last week.
Strength of The Hindu Community
Hindus make up about eight per cent of Bangladesh’s 170 million people and have historically supported Hasina’s long-ruling Awami League party.
The Awami League identifies as largely secular compared to the opposition bloc which includes a hardline Islamist party.
India is, of course, deeply concerned over the attacks on defenseless Hindu minorities and destruction of the homes and businesses.
Sources in Indian government previously said that safety of minorities is important duty by the government and office.
(With Inputs From Reuters)
