Modi-Biden Discussed Bangladesh On Aug 26 Phone Call, MEA Reaffirms As US Readout Skips Dhaka

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed Bangladesh with United States President Joe Biden and the two leaders discussed the situation substantially, India said on Friday, after media reports pointed out at that a US readout on both leaders phone call on August 26 didn’t mention talks held on the politically-unstable country.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in a statement concerning the same phone call said that the two leaders expressed ‘shared concern’ on the situation in Bangladesh and emphasised the need to restore law and order.

The two leaders also discussed the issue of security of minorities including the Hindus.

“The subject of Bangladesh, which has been highlighted by certain quarters, was very much discussed substantially by both the leaders."

Reacting to reports saying that Bangladesh was not discussed, MEA termed them as “uninformed, tendentious, and motivated and betray a total lack of familiarity with the process of how such contacts between leaders are organised and then followed up on.”

Sheikh Hasina's forced ouster as Bangladesh Prime Minister was triggered by student-led protests against a quota system for government jobs.

After clashes between protesters and government forces that led to hundreds of deaths, the movement grew into a broader rebellion against the leader and her government.

There have dozens of attacks against Hindus and other religious minorities in Bangladesh since Hassina’s ouster.

Modi said during the call with Biden he underscored "the need for early restoration of normalcy, and ensuring the safety and security of minorities, especially Hindus, in Bangladesh.”

Biden took part in the call from Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, where he is vacationing with family.

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