Bangladesh’s Yunus calls India’s PM Modi to assure him of safety of Hindus

A teacher was killed and at least 45 people injured as homes, businesses, and temples of Hindus in Muslim-majority Bangladesh were targeted last week after prime minister Sheikh Hasina quit and fled the country following violent protests seeking her ouster.

“Reiterated India’s support for a democratic, stable, peaceful and progressive Bangladesh,” Modi added.

Hindus constitute about 8 per cent of Bangladesh’s 170 million people and have historically supported Hasina’s Awami League party, which identifies as largely secular, instead of the opposition bloc that includes a hardline Islamist party.

Hundreds of Hindus living in Bangladesh have been trying to flee to India to escape the violence.

Hindu majority India, which has strong cultural and business ties with Bangladesh, has said it was worrying that minorities, their businesses and temples had been attacked in many places.