Bangladesh's Government Assures India's Modi on Minority Protection Amid Violence

Bangladesh's caretaker government assured Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday that reports of attacks on Hindus and other minorities are exaggerated and committed to protecting everyone. This comes after violent protests led Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to flee the country. Nobel Peace laureate Muhammad Yunus, leading the caretaker government, emphasized the nation's commitment to human rights.

Bangladesh's caretaker government assured Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday that reports of attacks on Hindus and other minorities in the Muslim-majority country are exaggerated and stressed their commitment to protecting all citizens.

The assurance follows a deadly week where a schoolteacher was killed and at least 45 people were injured as homes, businesses, and temples of Hindus were targeted after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled the country amidst violent protests calling for her ouster. The violence has raised concerns in Hindu-majority India, which shares robust cultural and business ties with Bangladesh.

Nobel Peace laureate Muhammad Yunus, now leading the caretaker government, personally called Modi to assure him of the safety and security of Hindus and minorities in Bangladesh. 'Reiterated India's support for a democratic, stable, peaceful, and progressive Bangladesh,' Modi posted on X. Yunus countered claims of widespread violence as 'exaggerated' and reasserted the government's dedication to human rights for all citizens. However, local reports highlight that over 52 of Bangladesh’s 64 districts have witnessed sectarian violence since August 5, the day Hasina escaped to India. Numerous Hindus have considered fleeing to India to escape the unrest.