On Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed concern for the safety of Hindus and minorities in Bangladesh from the Red Fort. He emphasized that India desires peace and development in Bangladesh and hopes for a swift normalization of the situation there. The concern for the safety of the citizens of Bangladesh is natural for us, he added.
PM Modi’s Independence Day Speech: Ensuring Safety for Hindus in Bangladesh
New Delhi: On the occasion of the 78th Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation from the Red Fort. During his speech, he expressed hope that the situation in Bangladesh would normalize soon and that the safety of Hindus and other minority communities would be ensured. He also conveyed well-wishes for Bangladesh’s development journey.
Concern Over Safety of Bangladeshi Hindus
Modi stated, “As a neighboring country, it is natural for us to be concerned about what is happening in Bangladesh. I hope that the situation there will normalize soon. The concern of 1.4 billion Indians is to ensure the safety of Hindus and minority communities there.”
Desire for Peaceful Neighbors
He further stated, “India always wishes for our neighboring countries to tread the path of peace and prosperity. Our commitment to peace is a part of our values and culture. In the coming days, we will always wish well for Bangladesh’s development journey, as we are people who think about the welfare of humanity.”
Recent Attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh
Recently, following the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, reports have emerged of vandalism at Hindu temples, homes, and businesses in Bangladesh. The unrest has been exacerbated by violent protests against the controversial quota system in employment under Sheikh Hasina’s government, leading to disorder in the country.
According to the Bangladesh Ethnic Hindu Mohajot (BEJHM), a national platform of 23 religious organizations, since Sheikh Hasina’s resignation on August 5, 278 Hindu families across 48 districts have faced large-scale violence and brutality. BEJHM leaders provided detailed statistics on the horrific incidents of violence against the Hindu community that occurred between August 5 and 12, highlighting that despite living in the region for generations, they are now living in a climate of fear.