Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday expressed hope that the situation in Bangladesh will improve soon, while voicing concern over the safety of Hindus and other minorities there.Addressing the nation from New Delhi’s 17th-century Mughal-era Red Fort on the occasion of India’s 78th Independence Day, Modi assured Bangladesh that India would continue to support its economic development."140 crore Indians are worried about the safety of Hindus and minorities in Bangladesh," Modi said, expressing concern over recent events in the neighboring country."As a neighbouring country, I understand the concern regarding the situation in Bangladesh. I hope that the situation will improve at the earliest," he added.Modi reaffirmed India’s commitment to Bangladesh’s progress, expressing goodwill towards its development. "We will continue to wish well for Bangladesh in its development journey," he said.Former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled to India on August 5 after weeks of violent protests led to her ouster. She is currently in New Delhi and is expected to stay until she decides where to seek asylum. An interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, has taken power in Bangladesh and is expected to organise fresh elections.

August 15 marks India’s independence from British rule in 1947, but it is also the day in 1975 when Bangladesh’s first leader after independence, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the father of Hasina, was assassinated in a military coup. Source: India Today