'Was assured Hindus' safety: Modi after speaking to Bangladesh's Yunus
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday spoke to Muhammad Yunus, the chief adviser of the Bangladesh interim government, for the first time. During their discussion, PM Modi reiterated India's support for a democratic, stable, peaceful, and progressive Bangladesh. Yunus also assured the protection, safety, and security of Hindus and all minorities in Bangladesh. This assurance follows recent reports of attacks on members of the Hindu community in Bangladesh.
Received a telephone call from Professor Muhammad Yunus: Modi
"Received a telephone call from Professor Muhammad Yunus...He assured protection, safety and security of Hindus and all minorities in Bangladesh," PM Modi wrote on X. PM Modi had previously expressed concern for the safety and security of Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh following the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. This was when he congratulated Yunus on his new role as chief adviser to the interim government.
Hasina's 15-year tenure ended abruptly
Hasina's 15-year tenure as the Prime Minister of Bangladesh came to an abrupt end on August 5, when she resigned amid escalating violent protests against her government. In 2018, the Hasina government removed all quotas, including the 30% quota for independence fighters' children and grandchildren in government posts. However, in a verdict by the Dhaka High Court on June 5, that decision was reversed, reinforcing the quota and sparking major demonstrations.
Bangladeshi Hindus stage protest
Following the downfall of the Hasina government, at least two Hindu organizations in Bangladesh and members of the minority community reportedly faced over 205 attacks. Last week, protesters gathered in cities, including Dhaka, Chattogram, Barisal, Tangail and Kurigram. They blocked the Shahbagh intersection in Dhaka for two consecutive days to protest against attacks on homes, shops, and temples. They demanded security for their homes, temples, arrest of those who perpetrated violence against them; and compensation for vandalism, loot and torture.
