Concerned for Bangladeshi Hindus: PM Modi in Yunus meet

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday met with Bangladesh's chief advisor Muhammad Yunus for the first time since Sheikh Hasina's ouster.

During the meeting, PM Modi expressed India's concerns regarding the safety and security of minorities, including Hindus in Bangladesh and expressed his expectation that atrocities against them would be thoroughly investigated, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.

In an official statement, the MEA stated, "Prime Minister underlined India's concerns related to the safety and security of minorities in Bangladesh, including Hindus, and expressed his expectation that the Government of Bangladesh would ensure their security, including by thoroughly investigating the cases of atrocities committed against them."
During the meeting, PM Modi also underlined India's desire for a constructive relationship with Bangladesh based on "mutual respect and sensitivity."

Addressing a special briefing on PM Modi's visit to Thailand, Vikram Misri stated "There were talks on Sheikh Hasina's extradition. Can't say more on that."

"PM Modi reiterated India's support for democratic, stable, peaceful, progressive and inclusive Bangladesh. He underlined India's desire to forge a positive and constructive relationship with Bangladesh. The PM also urged that any rhetoric that vitiates the environment is best avoided," foreign secretary Misri added.

"The PM also urged that any rhetoric that vitiates the environment is best avoided. On the border, strict enforcement of the law and prevention of illegal border crossing are necessary to maintain border security and security. The PM also underlines India's concerns over the safety and security of minorities, including Hindus in Bangladesh," he added.

PM Modi highlighted that India will support the advancement of BIMSTEC's agenda as Bangladesh takes over the chairmanship of BIMSTEC.

"PM also underlined the need to ensure the safety & security of Hindus in Bangladesh and tackle growing extremism which is a threat to regional stability. India will support advancement of the BIMSTEC agenda under Bangladesh's incoming chairship", MEA Spokesperson Jaiswal said on X.

PM Modi is in Bangkok for the 6th BIMSTEC Summit.

The 6th BIMSTEC Summit marks a significant regional engagement between India and its neighbouring countries in the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) group.

(ANI)