Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi voiced his support for a "democratic, stable, peaceful, and progressive" Bangladesh on Friday during a phone call with Muhammad Yunus, the head of Bangladesh's newly appointed transitional government. This marked the first high-level contact between the two nations since Yunus took office on August 8, following the fall of Sheikh Hasina's government, an ally of India. Hasina fled to New Delhi after month-long protests against her administration. In the call, Modi exchanged views with Yunus on the prevailing situation in Bangladesh and reiterated India's support for its neighbor's stability and democratic processes. Yunus assured Modi of the protection, safety, and security of Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh. Modi is the second foreign leader to speak with Yunus since the interim government was established earlier this month. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim also pledged support to the new setup, which expanded to 21 members on Friday. The protests that led to Hasina's ousting began with demands for public job quota reforms but escalated to end her 15-year reign. Around 580 people have been killed in Bangladesh since the unrest began on July 16. Modi's conversation with Yunus comes amid reports that Indian officials lobbied the US to soften its criticism of Hasina's government, which Washington had targeted over alleged human rights violations and the jailing of opposition figures. India reportedly argued that any change in Dhaka's government could pose a threat to its national security. Sheikh Hasina has accused the US of playing a role in her government's downfall, a claim Washington has denied. — Agencies
