Bangladesh's Yunus assures Modi of Hindus' safety

INDIAN prime minister Narendra Modi said on Friday (16) that he received a phone call from the head of Bangladesh's caretaker government, Muhammad Yunus, assuring New Delhi of the "protection, safety and security" of Hindus in that country.

A school teacher was killed and at least 45 people injured as homes, businesses, and temples of Hindus in Muslim-majority Bangladesh were targeted last week after prime minister Sheikh Hasina quit and fled the country following violent protests seeking her ouster.

Nobel Peace laureate Yunus, the head of the caretaker government in Dhaka, called Modi and assured him of the "protection, safety and security of Hindus and all minorities in Bangladesh", Modi said in a post on X.

"Reiterated India's support for a democratic, stable, peaceful and progressive Bangladesh," Modi added.

In a statement, India's ministry of external affairs said the two leaders also discussed ways to take the bilateral relationship forward in line with the "respective national priorities".

"During the call, the prime minister reaffirmed India's support for a democratic, stable, peaceful and progressive Bangladesh. He emphasised India's commitment to supporting the people of Bangladesh through various development initiatives. The prime minister also underlined the importance of ensuring the safety and protection of Hindus and all other minority communities in Bangladesh," the statement said.

"Prof Yunus, in turn, assured that the Interim Government would prioritise protection, safety and security of Hindus and all minority groups in Bangladesh."

On Tuesday (13), Yunus reached out to Hindus in Bangladesh as he visited the Dhakeshwari temple in Dhaka and said his government would punish those who attacked the minority community members.

Hindus constitute about eight per cent of Bangladesh's 170 million people and have historically supported Hasina's Awami League party, which identifies as largely secular, instead of the opposition bloc that includes a hardline Islamist party.

Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council estimates at least 52 of the country's 64 districts have been impacted by communal violence since Aug. 5, the day Hasina fled to India.

Hundreds of Hindus living in Bangladesh have been trying to flee to India to escape the violence.

Hindu majority India, which has strong cultural and business ties with Bangladesh, has said it was worrying that minorities, their businesses and temples had been attacked in many places.

Hasina's fall has raised concerns in New Delhi, which has key investments and close security ties with its eastern neighbour. Her 15-year rule saw widespread human rights abuses, including the mass detention and extrajudicial killings of her political opponents.

Bangladesh's new interim government has already said it is committed to restore law and order and to protect all minorities.

In his Independence Day speech on Thursday (15), Modi said India is committed to peace and that it will remain a well-wisher of Bangladesh in its development journey.

(Agencies)