Yogi Adityanath‘s statement follows reports of attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh, a nation now facing a political crisis after the ouster of Sheikh Hasina.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday called for unity amid the ongoing unrest in Bangladesh.
Nothing surpasses the importance of our nation, and our strength lies in unity. ‘Batenge to Katenge.’ You see the situation unfolding in Bangladesh. We must prevent those mistakes from happening here… ‘Batenge to Katenge, Ek Rahenge to Nek Rahenge,” the chief minister stated during a public meeting in Agra.
This statement comes a day after Yogi Adityanath criticized the opposition for its ‘silence’ on the attacks against Hindus in Bangladesh. “While the opposition is quick to comment on global issues, it remains conspicuously silent about the persecution of Hindus and the demolition of temples in Bangladesh. They see Palestine but turn a blind eye to Bangladesh, fearing the loss of their vote bank,” he remarked in Mathura.
The UP chief minister’s comments come amid reports of unrest in the Bangla-speaking nation, which descended into a political crisis on August 5 after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned and fled the country.
Attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh
Widespread attacks on Hindus, who constitute 8 percent of Bangladesh’s population, have been reported. Hindu temples have been desecrated, and properties owned by community members have been targeted by mobs.
Historically, the Hindu community has supported Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League, the party that led Bangladesh’s 1971 liberation movement. The Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council, a minority rights organization, reported to AFP on August 16 that there have been 200 attacks on Hindus since the departure of the Awami League leader.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in an X post congratulating Bangladesh’s interim government chief advisor Muhammad Yunus, stated, “We hope for an early return to normalcy, ensuring the safety and protection of Hindus and all other minority communities. It is essential for the new administration to address the ongoing violence and uphold principles of justice and equality for all citizens. We are prepared to support efforts that promote peace and stability in the region and remain committed to safeguarding the rights and security of every community in Bangladesh.
