India supports ‘democratic and stable’ Bangladesh: Modi
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This marks the first time the two leaders have spoken since the fall of Sheikh Hasina's administration, India's longstanding ally.
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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi greets after addressing India on Independence Day in New Delhi on August 15, 2022. (AP)
In his first high-level talks with Dhaka on Friday, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his support for a "democratic, stable" Bangladesh.
Modi made the remarks while receiving a phone call from Muhammad Yunus, the chairman of Bangladesh's interim administration.
It is the first time the two leaders have spoken since Yunus took the oath of office on August 8, three days after the fall of Sheikh Hasina's administration, India's longstanding ally.
Hasina fled to New Delhi following a month of demonstrations against her government.
Modi wrote on X that he “Exchanged views on the prevailing situation” with Yunus and “Reiterated India's support for a democratic, stable, peaceful and progressive Bangladesh. He (Yunus) assured protection, safety and security of Hindus and all minorities in Bangladesh."
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim also committed Kuala Lumpur's support for the Yunus-led temporary committee, which was enlarged to 21 members Friday.
Hasina says 'more lives would have been lost' had she remained
Bangladeshi President Mohammed Shahabuddin dissolved parliament on August 6 and a government led by Muhammad Yunus was announced on August 9.
The protests and the violent crackdowns on demonstrators killed at least 356 people since July.
Earlier, Hasina wrote that had she remained in the country, "more lives would have been lost, more resources would have been destroyed," adding that she "made the extremely difficult decision to exit."
Yunus was sworn in to lead Bangladesh's interim government in a ceremony that began with a minute of silence as a tribute to those who were killed during the violent protests.
