New Delhi — Prime Minister Narendra Modi has voiced deep concern over the ongoing violence against Hindus and other minority groups in Bangladesh, declaring that the 1.4 billion people of India stand in solidarity with their neighbors. His remarks came during his address from the Red Fort on the occasion of India’s 78th Independence Day.

Speaking on Thursday, PM Modi highlighted the unrest in Bangladesh, where violence has escalated since June, particularly targeting minority communities. “As a neighboring country, I can understand the concern regarding whatever has happened in Bangladesh,” he said. “I hope that the situation there gets normal at the earliest. The concerns of 1.4 billion countrymen are to ensure the safety of Hindus and minorities there.”

The Prime Minister emphasized India’s unwavering commitment to peace and the welfare of its neighbors. “We are committed to peace… In the days to come, we will continue to wish well for Bangladesh in its ‘Vikas Yatra’ because we think about the welfare of humankind,” he added, expressing hope that Bangladesh would return to the path of prosperity and peace.

Unrest in Bangladesh
The crisis in Bangladesh erupted in June, initially sparked by protests over job quotas. The demonstrations quickly spiraled into broader anti-government protests, culminating in the ousting of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Following her escape to India on August 5, violence against the Hindu minority intensified, with mobs looting businesses and attacking homes. Reports of lynchings have added to the growing concern.

Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus, now leading the interim government in Bangladesh, has called for the protection of minorities, stressing that they are equal citizens with the same rights as any other Bangladeshi. His efforts come amid a climate of fear and uncertainty, with over 450 deaths reported since the violence began.

Sheikh Hasina, who served as Prime Minister for 15 years, fled the country after weeks of escalating unrest. Her departure marked a dramatic end to her tenure, which had been plagued by accusations of human rights violations. The situation in Bangladesh remains tense, with the international community closely monitoring developments.

As India celebrates its Independence Day, PM Modi’s message of solidarity with Bangladesh underscores the strong ties between the two nations and India’s commitment to peace and stability in the region.