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PM Modi, Dr Yunus exchange Eid greetings

By Nava Thakuria |

Guwahati: Amid stained bilateral relations between India and Bangladesh, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the head of Dhaka-based interim government Dr Muhammad Yunus exchanged warm greetings on the occasion of Eid-ul-Azha. In an official letter (dated on 4 June 2025), PM Modi on behalf of the people and government of Bharat conveyed good wishes to Dr Yunus and the people of Bangladesh on the auspicious occasion of the Islamic festival.

This holy festival is an integral part of the rich and diverse cultural heritage of India and is celebrated with immense joy and fervour by millions of people of Islamic faith across the country. It reminds us of the timeless values of sacrifice, compassion and brotherhood, which are essential in building a peaceful and inclusive world, said PM Modi-who heads the Bharatiya Janata Party-led federal government in New Delhi- adding, “I take this opportunity to extend my best wishes for your good health and well-being.”

Appreciating PM Modi for his thoughtful message, kind greetings and warm wishes on the occasion of Eid, Dr Yunus stated that the sacred festival reflects the shared values between the two neighbouring countries. He also conveyed his warmest greetings to PM Modi and the people of India on the auspicious occasion. In a letter dated 6 June, Dr Yunus stated, “Eid-ul-Azha is a time of reflection, which brings communities together in the spirit of festivity, sacrifice, generosity and unity, and inspires us all to work together for the greater benefits of the peoples across the world.”

The lone Nobel laureate of Bangladesh, who is currently functioning as the chief adviser to the caretaker administration, also expressed confidence that the ‘spirit of mutual respect and understanding will continue to guide our nations to work together for the wellbeing of our peoples’. On this blessed occasion, Dr Yunus wished PM Modi good health & happiness and the people of India peace, progress, and prosperity. “Please accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration,” concluded the letter signed by Professor Yunus.

Earlier addressing the country people on the eve of Eid, Dr Yunus- who took charge of the interim government last year following  a student-led public uprising that ousted the sitting Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on 5 August (and somehow compelled her to take refuge in India)- announced that the 13th Jatiya Sansad polls will be conducted in the first half of April 2026.  The octogenarian banker turned caretaker administration head appealed to the  electorates of Bangladesh to support a free, fair, clean and participatory election in the Muslim majority nation of over 170 million population.

He also added  that the country’s  election commission will provide a detailed roadmap for the polls in an appropriate time,  prior to which the voters should  work out their preparation for electing the right candidates to the Parliament with an aim to end  political violence, corruption and bad governance from the south Asian nation. Speaking about three mandates for the current administration (namely reform, justice and elections),   Dr Yunus commented that the country eyes on an inclusive election that honors the sacrifices of martyrs. He  added that millions of young voters will participate in the electoral process for the first time in their lives and they would hold the candidates and political parties accountable if the country’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and national dignity is compromised.

He did not forget to mention about the public suffering engineered by  the Hasina-led Awami League government in Dhaka for decades. During the last 16 years of the authoritarian government, a large number of people were made disappeared to suppress political dissent, commented Dr Yunus, adding that  many of them were detained in disappearance centers (recently three came to light in Dhaka,

hapainawabganj and Bogra localities), which are under investigation. Admitting that Bangladesh is ‘in a state of war’, Dr Yunus called upon the people to remain united against the fugitive premier, who named thousands of infrastructure and institutions after her parents, siblings, and relatives (which were however lately  changed).

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Senior journalist based in Guwahati.
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