PM Modi Voices Concern Over Hindu Safety in Bangladesh During Meeting with Yunus

Prime Minister Narendra Modi received Bangladesh's Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus on Friday, during which he reiterated India's concerns over the security of minorities, specifically Hindus. He hoped that the Bangladeshi government would act to secure them, such as by initiating proper investigations into any acts of violence against such groups.

This was during the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral and Technical Cooperation (BIMSTEC) summit and was their first meeting since Sheikh Hasina was ousted from power last August.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri briefed reporters on the meeting, saying that Modi emphasized the need to ensure the safety and security of minorities in Bangladesh.

Modi also urged not to use any derogatory words that would hurt the atmosphere between the two countries, Misri said.

The Prime Minister reiterated India's commitment to having a democratic, stable, peaceful, and inclusive Bangladesh. He noted that India believes in a people-centric orientation of their relationship and highlighted the long history of cooperation that has been advantageous for both nations. Referring to this, he said that India would like to develop an optimistic and constructive partnership with Bangladesh founded on functional cooperation, as mentioned by Misri.

At the meeting, the PM also discussed the border and enforcing the law strictly and suppressing illegal crossing of the border, particularly at night for border security and stability.

Asked whether Yunus brought up the matter of extraditing Hasina, Misri did not respond directly. He stated that it is not appropriate to discuss this matter now and the ministry in the past already stated that they have received a request from Bangladesh.