PM Modi, Bangladesh’s Yunus Discuss Minority Protection and Hasina Extradition

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus on Friday on the sidelines of the BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok, where they discussed important bilateral matters, including the safety of minorities in Bangladesh and the possible extradition of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said at a press briefing.

PM Narendra Modi being presented a photo by the Chief Adviser of Bangladesh Professor Muhammad Yunus during a meeting, on the sidelines of the 6th BIMSTEC Summit, in Bangkok, Thailand. (Photo: PTI)

During the discussion, Modi conveyed India’s concerns over the security of minorities in Bangladesh, especially the Hindu community. He urged the Bangladeshi government to take concrete measures to safeguard these communities and stressed the need for thorough investigations into the reported incidents of violence to ensure justice and protection of minority rights.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri stated that “Prime Minister Modi underlined India’s concerns regarding the safety and security of minorities in Bangladesh, including Hindus. He conveyed the expectation that the Bangladeshi government would ensure their protection through detailed investigations into cases of violence and discrimination.”

PM Modi and Yunus Hold Their First Meeting

The meeting represented the first high-level interaction between India and Bangladesh since former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was ousted in August last year. In recent months, bilateral ties have been under strain, especially due to concerns over violence against Hindu minorities in Bangladesh and India's decision to offer asylum to Hasina.

Modi reaffirmed India’s dedication to a stable and democratic Bangladesh, highlighting a people-first approach in fostering bilateral ties. “He highlighted the longstanding cooperation between the two countries that has delivered tangible benefits to both nations and expressed India’s desire to forge a positive and constructive relationship with Bangladesh based on pragmatism,” Misri added.

Border Security and the Extradition of Hasina

Border security was another key topic, with Modi emphasizing the importance of strict law enforcement and enhanced measures to prevent illegal crossings—especially during nighttime—to ensure stability and safety along the India-Bangladesh border.

The matter of Hasina’s extradition also came up during the talks. However, Misri refrained from disclosing any specifics, noting that it was not the right time to comment. He confirmed that India had received an official extradition request from Bangladesh, but the situation remains uncertain pending further developments.

(This Article was originally published by Business Standard)