NEW DELHI, Aug 16: In his first direct contact with New Delhi over a week after becoming the head of Bangladesh’s interim government, Nobel Laureate Mohammad Yunus on Friday conveyed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a phone conversation that Dhaka would prioritise protection and safety of Hindus and all other minority groups.
In the talks initiated by Yunus, Modi reaffirmed India’s support for a democratic, stable, peaceful and progressive Bangladesh and underlined the importance of ensuring the safety of Hindus and other minority communities in the violence-hit country.
The assurance by Yunus came a day after Modi, in his Independence Day speech, said 140 crore Indians are concerned over the safety of Hindus and minorities in the neighbouring country.
“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,” Modi said in a post on X.
“He assured protection, safety and security of Hindus and all minorities in Bangladesh,” he said.
In a series of posts, Yunus’s office said he conveyed to Modi that the situation in Bangladesh has been brought under control and life is becoming normal across the country.
It said “Yunus said that the reports of attacks on the minorities have been exaggerated and he is inviting Indian journalists to visit Bangladesh and report from the ground on the issues of the minority protection.”
Yunus, 84, also accepted Modi’s invitation to join the Third Voice of Global South Summit virtually from Dhaka on Saturday. India is hosting the virtual summit.
Modi in his Independence Day address on Thursday voiced concern over the safety of Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh. On Tuesday, Yunus had reached out to the distressed Hindu community and urged them to “exercise patience” and assured them that his government would punish those who attacked the minority members.
In New Delhi, a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said, during the call, Modi reaffirmed India’s support for a democratic, stable, peaceful and progressive Bangladesh. (PTI)
