New Delhi, February 14, 2025 — In a high-level meeting, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi aired his concerns over the worsening situation in Bangladesh to U.S. President Donald Trump. This exchange highlighted the quickening exchange between India and the United States, particularly on issues of regional stability and protection of minority communities.
Background: Unrest in Bangladesh
Political insurrection has gripped Bangladesh ever since, in August 2024, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was deposed. This began with student-led protests against a controversial quota system of government jobs and escalated into nationwide anti-government protests. These trends ended with Hasina fleeing to India and an interim government headed by Muhammad Yunus, a Nobel Prize winner.
During this political instability, alarming reports have arisen regarding violence against minority communities, especially Hindus. Arson, vandalism, and assaults have occurred in many districts. The Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council noted that at least 52 of 64 districts have witnessed such violence since August 5, 2024. The Hindus-used to form an 8% minority in Bangladesh-have been supporters of Hasina’s secular Awami League historically.
India’s Response
Worried for the minority communities in Bangladesh, India, which has shared deep cultural and historical connections with the latter, expressed deep concern for their safety. Prime Minister Modi has openly spoken about the responsibility of ensuring the protection of Hindus and other minorities living in Bangladesh. On August 15, 2024, during his Independence Day address, Modi reiterated the urgency of safeguarding these communities and restoring peace to the neighboring country.
After the formation of the interim government, Modi wished to add to the greetings for Muhammad Yunus and lauded him on his repeated assertion to guarantee the safety of all minority communities: “We expect a swift return to normalcy while guaranteeing safety and protection to Hindus and other minority communities.”
U.S. Involvement and Trump’s Stance
The United States has also closely monitored developments in Bangladesh. In a recent statement, President Donald Trump condemned attacks against Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh. He stated, “I strongly condemn the barbaric violence against Hindus, Christians, and other minorities who are getting attacked and looted by mobs in Bangladesh.” Trump also took the liberty of criticizing his political opponents by stating, “If I were in charge, this would never have happened,” and blamed them for the plight of Hindus worldwide.
In meeting President Trump, Prime Minister Modi described their parallel views on the Bangladesh situation. The two leaders underscored the importance of restoring law and order and ensuring the security of minorities. They additionally discussed the regional security implications of the instability in Bangladesh and the need for a collective response to the challenges.
Assurances from Bangladesh’s Interim Government
Further responding to these international concerns, Muhammad Yunus, the head of the interim government, reached out to assure Prime Minister Modi that minority communities are safe. Yunus condemned the media for exaggerating reports of attacks against Hindus and other minorities and assured that his government is committed to protecting all citizens. He reiterated the administration’s pledge to peace and harmony in what is a transitional period.
Key Takeaways:
Regional Stability: Developments in the political environment of Bangladesh include implications so serious for the stability and security in the South Asian region, inviting close diplomatic communication with Bangladesh between its neighbors and global powers.
Protection of Minorities: Protection of minority communities in Bangladesh is recognized worldwide as one of the most pressing and pertinent issues to be dealt with, pinpointed by several world leaders as a reason for global aid.
India-U.S. Collaboration: Modi and Trump’s recent discussions reiterated the forte upon which India and the United States can stand together to deal with regional issues.
As this situation develops, global involvement and support in this regard becomes extremely pertinent, since that will help Bangladesh grow into communal harmony and stability.
