Political Unrest in Bangladesh: PM Modi Voices Concerns for Hindu Minorities

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his 11th consecutive Independence Day address at the Red Fort in Delhi, voiced concerns over the safety of Hindus and other minority communities in Bangladesh. His statement reflects the anxieties of 140 crore Indians who are closely watching the escalating violence and political unrest in the neighbouring country.

"140 crore Indians are worried about the safety of Hindus, the minorities in Bangladesh," PM Modi emphasized during his speech. He expressed hope for stability in Bangladesh while underscoring India’s role as a constant well-wisher for its neighbour’s progress. “We hope the situation normalizes soon. Indians want the security of Hindus and minorities there to be ensured,” he added.

The catalyst for this heightened concern was the dramatic ousting of Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on August 5. Amid widespread protests and escalating violence in Dhaka, Hasina, 76, was forced to flee to India via helicopter, bringing an abrupt end to her 15-year tenure. Her time in office was marred by accusations of human rights abuses, which only fueled the political unrest. Over 450 lives have been lost in the weeks leading up to her ousting, many of them in the violence targeting the Hindu community.

Bangladesh’s Hindu minority, making up about 8% of the country’s population, has traditionally supported Hasina’s Awami League Party. However, this support did not shield them from the surge of communal violence that erupted after her ouster. According to the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council, at least 52 of the country’s 64 districts have reported incidents of violence since August 5, with temples being vandalized, homes destroyed, and lives lost.

The recent surge in protests in Dhaka has highlighted the growing discontent among the Hindu community. Hundreds of people have taken to the streets, demanding an end to the violence and better protection for minority communities. This unrest comes at a time when Bangladesh’s political landscape is fragile, and its future remains uncertain.

For India, the safety of Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh is not just a matter of foreign relations, but also a pressing human rights issue. With shared cultural and religious ties, India has long been a supporter of Bangladesh's stability and development. As the situation continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how Bangladesh’s new leadership will address these communal tensions and restore peace to a nation in turmoil.

In the coming days, the world will be watching closely, hoping for a swift resolution to the crisis and the protection of minority communities in Bangladesh.