India Seeks Protection Of Violence-Hit Hindu Minority As Muhammad Yunus Takes Charge In Bangladesh

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday (8 August) extended his congratulations to Professor Muhammad Yunus on taking oath as the head of Bangladesh's interim government.

PM Modi also emphasised the urgency of returning to normalcy in Bangladesh and the need to protect the Hindu minority community.

"My best wishes to Professor Muhammad Yunus on the assumption of his new responsibilities. We hope for an early return to normalcy, ensuring the safety and protection of Hindus and all other minority communities," PM Modi said in a post on X.

"India remains committed to working with Bangladesh to fulfill the shared aspirations of both our peoples for peace, security and development," he added.

Muhammad Yunus, the 84-year-old Nobel laureate economist, took on his responsibilities as the head of Bangladesh's interim government on Thursday.

His appointment followed the resignation of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who stepped down amid widespread student-led violent protests calling for the end of the government's job quota system.

Yunus was sworn in on Thursday night during a ceremony in Dhaka, in the midst of widespread unrest in the country, which led to former Prime Minister Hasina fleeing to India.

Yunus, well-known as a social entrepreneur in Bangladesh, is the founder of Grameen Bank and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006 for his innovative efforts in promoting economic and social development through microcredit.

Following Hasina's departure, the religious places and the houses of the minority Hindu community have been targeted by the rioters.

Yunus' primary objective now will be to restore peace in the violence-hit country.

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