Interim Bangladesh Head Yunus Dials PM Modi, Assures Protection For Hindus, All Minorities

New Delhi: Bangladesh’s interim head of government Professor Muhammad Yunus on Friday assured Prime Minister Narendra Modi of the safety and security of Hindus and other minority communities living in India’s neighbouring country.

The Chief Adviser of Bangladesh, who dialled Modi, exchanged views on the prevailing situation in Bangladesh in the aftermath of Sheikh Hasina’s ouster as prime minister last week following weeks of violent protests led by students over jobs quota.

Modi reiterated India’s support for a “democratic, stable, peaceful and progressive” Bangladesh.

“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,” Modi posted on X.

There have been numerous incidents of attacks on Hindu community, including temples, in Bangladesh after Hasina resigned and fled to India.

Modi had called for ensuring safety and security of Hindus and other minorities of Bangladesh when he congratulated Yunus on the “assumption of his new responsibilities” as Chief Adviser to the interim government.

Even during his Independence Day speech from Red Fort on Thursday, Modi expressed concern about the security of Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh.

“As a neighbouring country, I can understand the concern regarding whatever has happened in Bangladesh. I hope the situation there becomes normal soon… In particular, the concerns of 140 crore Indians that the security of Hindus and minorities there is ensured,” Modi said from the ramparts of Red Fort, speaking in Hindi.

Sheikh Hasina’s Extradition Issue

Touhid Hossain, Bangladesh’s de facto foreign minister, told Reuters on Thursday that the interim government will decide whether to ask India to extradite Hasina.

He said he didn’t want to speculate, but noted Hasina was facing “so many cases”, including murder accusations.

Touhid said if the Home and Law ministries decided, “we have to ask for her (Hasina’s) return to Bangladesh.”

He conceded that will create an “embarrassing situation” for the Indian government.

“India knows this and I am sure they will take care of it,” Touhid said.

There has been no response from Indian government yet.