Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Bangladesh Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus by telephone on Friday, a release by the press wing of the Chief Advisor says.

During the call, Prime Minister Modi congratulated Yunus on taking leadership of the Interim Government of Bangladesh.

Chief Adviser Yunus expressed his gratitude for the Prime Minister’s call and for the tweet Modi posted following Yunus’s swearing-in as Head of the Bangladeshi Government.

Yunus also extended his congratulations to Modi and the Indian people on the occasion of India's Independence Day, which was observed on Thursday, August 15.

The Indian Prime Minister expressed his “good wishes to the new government” and expressed “to work with Bangladesh for the benefit of people as close friends.”

He also expressed a strong desire to “collaborate closely with the Yunus-led Interim government.”

Prime Minister Modi praised Professor “Yunus's leadership,” noting his long standing acquaintance with the 2006 Nobel Peace Laureate.

Modi highlighted Yunus's “extensive experience” and expressed confidence that “his leadership will benefit the people of Bangladesh.”

In response to Modi’s concerns about minority protection, Chief Adviser Yunus assured that his government is dedicated to safeguarding all citizens, including minorities.

Yunus contended that reports of attacks on minorities have been “exaggerated and invited Indian journalists to visit Bangladesh and report firsthand” on the situation regarding minority protection.

Professor Muhammad Yunus said the situation in Bangladesh has been brought under control and life is becoming normal across the country.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi invited Professor Yunus to join the Third Voice of Global South Summit to be hosted virtually by New Delhi on August 17. The Chief Adviser has agreed to join the summit virtually from Dhaka.

He said his Interim Government has taken over as “a result of the student movement.”

This is a Second Revolution of Bangladesh and his government will fulfill the desire of the democratic aspirations of the students and people, he said

The Chief Adviser also said his government is “committed to making all state apparatus fully functional and effective” and “ensuring human rights for every citizen of the country.”

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