'Bangladesh Issue Is Important For Sangh': BJP, RSS Discuss Safety Of Hindus And Other Minorities In Key Meeting

During the meeting of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) leaders on Sunday (11 August), the issue of Bangladeshi Hindus came up.

Bangladeshi Hindus have been facing attacks since former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled the country after resigning. They even protested against attacks, while a few others tried to enter India for safety.

Given the situation in the neighbouring Islamic country, the safety of Bangladeshi Hindus and the Narendra Modi government’s efforts to ensure their security were discussed in the meeting.

"The Bangladesh situation is an important issue for the Sangh, so it was obviously discussed," a senior RSS leader was quoted as saying by the Indian Express.

"The Bangladesh situation is not just about protection of minorities. It is also a matter of our national security," the leader said expressing concerns over repercussions for our borders and internal security.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also asked the interim government led by Nobel laureate Mohammed Yunus to ensure the safety of Hindus, while the RSS has also been voicing concerns for them.

A committee has been established to monitor the situation along the India-Bangladesh border. Several northeastern states have expressed a strong stance against accepting an influx of refugees into their territories.

The meeting was held at the residence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh where Union Ministers Amit Shah and J P Nadda were also present along with RSS second-in command Dattatreya Hosable.