New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said India will always be a well-wisher of Bangladesh’s progress, adding ‘Indians want the security of Hindus, and minorities there to be ensured’ NDTV reported.
PM Modi, delivering his 11th consecutive Independence Day speech, which comes days after Sheikh Hasina stepped down as Prime Minister , said that 140 core Indians worried about the safety of Hindus and minorities in Bangladesh.
‘140 crore Indians worried about the safety of the Hindus, the minorities in Bangladesh," PM Modi was quoted as saying, adding "India will always be a well-wisher of Bangladesh's progress. We hope the situation normalises in Bangladesh soon. Indians want the security of Hindus, and minorities there to be ensured.’
Bangladesh plunged into chaotic situation following a students’ protest over quota system in government jobs led to violent clashes with police killing more than 300 people.
Subsequently, Prime Minister Hasina stepped down on August 5 and fled to India by helicopter.
It is reported that in her 15-year rule there had been allegations of human rights abuses.
However, after her ouster it is reported that minorities in the country including Hindus were targeted.
The minority community, making up about 8 per cent of Bangladesh's population, traditionally supported Hasina's Awami League Party.
Meanwhile, the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council claimed that 52 of the country’s 64 districts had seen communal violence since August 5.