Modi Addresses Bangladesh Unrest on India's 78th Independence Day
Indian PM Modi expresses concern over Bangladesh's political turmoil and assures support. He reflects on India's peaceful stance and development goals during Independence Day speech.
On August 15, 2024, Narendra Modi, India's Prime Minister, delivered a speech from the historic Red Fort in New Delhi, marking India's 78th Independence Day. The address focused on recent events in neighboring Bangladesh and India's own development aspirations.
Modi expressed concern regarding the political upheaval in Bangladesh, which resulted in a governmental change. He stated, "We hope the situation gets normal there soon," while assuring continued Indian support for Bangladesh's economic growth.
The unrest in Bangladesh began in July 2024 with student-led demonstrations against a controversial job quota system. These protests evolved into a broader movement against the government, leading to widespread violence and over 300 fatalities, including students and law enforcement officers.
On August 5, 2024, former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina sought refuge in India following weeks of violent protests. An interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, has assumed power and is expected to organize new elections.
"We assure protection to all minority communities in Bangladesh."
The turmoil in Bangladesh has particularly affected the Hindu minority, with numerous homes, shops, and businesses targeted during the protests. Yunus has since met with Hindu community leaders to address their concerns and guarantee their safety.
Modi's speech also touched upon India's own development goals. He emphasized India's commitment to peace and its ambition to achieve developed nation status by 2047, marking a century since independence from British rule.
The Indian Prime Minister's address highlighted the complex historical and political ties between India and Bangladesh. It's worth noting that August 15 holds significance for both nations: while it marks India's independence in 1947, it's also the anniversary of the 1975 assassination of Bangladesh's first leader, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, father of Sheikh Hasina.
India has played a crucial role in Bangladesh's political landscape, providing refuge to key figures like Hasina, who resided in Delhi from 1975 to 1981 following her father's assassination.
As India celebrates its independence and looks towards future development, the situation in Bangladesh serves as a reminder of the region's ongoing political challenges and the importance of maintaining stability and protecting minority rights in South Asia.
