In a significant development, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that Bangladesh has assured the protection and safety of Hindus and all minorities residing in the country.
Professor Muhammad Yunus, the chief adviser of Bangladesh’s interim government, conveyed this assurance during a phone conversation with PM Modi.
This communication follows rising concerns over the safety of minorities in Bangladesh, especially after recent violence sparked by the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Bangladesh’s Assurance Amid Turmoil
The interim government’s commitment comes at a critical time when violence against minorities is escalating. PM Modi shared the details of his conversation with Professor Yunus on social media platform X. He emphasized India’s support for a democratic, stable, peaceful, and progressive Bangladesh.
“Received a telephone call from Professor Muhammad Yunus. 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,” PM Modi wrote.
This assurance is particularly important in light of PM Modi’s Independence Day speech. In his address, he expressed concern for the 140 crore Indians worried about the safety of Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh. He also voiced hope that the situation in Bangladesh would soon return to normal.
Violence Against Minorities: A Worrying Trend
The situation in Bangladesh has drawn widespread attention. Reports indicate a surge in violence against Hindus and other minority communities. Visuals and accounts from across the country depict alarming scenes of destruction. Attackers have ravaged temples, assaulted people, and vandalized institutions.
The unrest destroyed the Indian Cultural Centre. Additionally, vandals targeted the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) temple. These attacks have raised international concerns.
In response to these events, Professor Yunus visited the Dhakeshwari temple in Dhaka on Tuesday. He assured the Hindu community of justice and promised that those responsible for the attacks would be punished. His visit is seen as an attempt to quell fears and restore a sense of security.
Political Unrest and Its Consequences
The violence against minorities in Bangladesh is closely linked to broader political unrest. The turmoil began as a protest against a controversial job-quota system. This system reserved 30 percent of civil service jobs for families of veterans who fought in the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War.
However, the agitation quickly evolved into a mass movement demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Hasina ruled Bangladesh for 15 years with an iron grip.
The mass protests eventually led to Hasina stepping down, leaving a power vacuum and an environment of instability. The interim government, now led by Professor Yunus, has been working to stabilize the situation. However, violence against minorities continues to escalate, leading to widespread fear and insecurity.
In a particularly tense incident, a clash broke out on Tuesday between Bangladesh army personnel and members of the minority Hindu community. The protesters, holding posters of their missing family members, gathered outside the Jamuna State Guest House in Dhaka, where Professor Yunus currently resides.
This confrontation underscored the deepening divide and the challenges the interim government faces in restoring order and ensuring safety.
The situation in Bangladesh has also sparked a response within India. Opposition leader and Congress MP Shashi Tharoor commented on the attacks, leading to a rare moment of bipartisan agreement. Tharoor pointed out the difficulty for Indians to remain indifferent when every symbol of the country’s friendship with Bangladesh was under attack. His remarks resonate with the broader concern shared by many in India.
The assurance from Professor Yunus is a crucial step in addressing the concerns of Hindu and minority communities in Bangladesh. However, the path to peace and stability remains fraught with challenges. As Bangladesh navigates this period of political transition and unrest, the international community, particularly India, will be closely watching to ensure that the rights and safety of all citizens are upheld.
