Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: In his 11th consecutive Independence Day address from the Red Fort, Prime Minister Narendra Modi voiced deep concerns about the safety of Hindus in Bangladesh amidst the ongoing political turmoil following the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. PM Modi emphasized that the security of Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh is a significant concern for 140 crore Indians.
“140 crore Indians are worried about the safety of the Hindus, the minorities in Bangladesh,” PM Modi stated during his speech. He reiterated India’s role as a supportive neighbor and expressed hopes for the stabilization of the situation in Bangladesh. “India will always be a well-wisher of Bangladesh’s progress. We hope the situation normalizes in Bangladesh soon. Indians want the security of Hindus and minorities there to be ensured,” the Prime Minister added.
The recent political unrest in Bangladesh culminated on August 5, when 76-year-old Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled to India by helicopter as mass protests engulfed Dhaka, marking the end of her 15-year tenure amid allegations of human rights abuses. The weeks leading up to her ousting were marked by violence, with over 450 deaths reported and numerous attacks targeting the Hindu minority community, which comprises about 8% of Bangladesh’s population and has historically supported Hasina’s Awami League Party.
The situation in Bangladesh remains tense, with the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council reporting that at least 52 out of the country’s 64 districts have experienced communal violence since the beginning of August. Protests have continued to erupt across Dhaka, as hundreds voice their opposition to the targeted violence against the Hindu community.
Prime Minister Modi’s comments reflect India’s deep concern for the safety of its neighboring country’s minority populations and underline the importance of protecting human rights and maintaining peace in the region.
