In a Facebook post today, Anwar said he called Yunus yesterday to congratulate him on his recent appointment.

He said he has been invited to visit Bangladesh to further strengthen the “brotherly relationship” between the two countries.

“Professor Yunus has long-standing good ties with Malaysia,” he said.

“Thus, I assured him that Malaysia stands ready to help and support the interim government in rebuilding and restoring peace and security in Bangladesh.

“I am very pleased that Yunus has given his assurances to protect the rights of all Bangladeshis, including minorities.”

The Nobel Peace Prize winner was sworn into office last Thursday after a deadly student-led uprising ended the 15-year rule of Sheikh Hasina, who fled to India.

Some businesses and homes owned by Hindus were attacked following Hasina’s ouster, and the group is seen by some in Muslim-majority Bangladesh as having been close to her.

Former DAP leader P Ramasamy and former Klang MP Charles Santiago were among those who have criticised Anwar for not publicly condemning the violence, with several Hindu groups in Malaysia also expressing dissatisfaction with Anwar’s silence on the matter.

Earlier today, Klang MP V Ganabatirau urged the government to raise the matter at the United Nations and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.

Ganabatirau said this would help galvanise a broader international response to the crisis, adding that Malaysia’s influence in the region could be instrumental in fostering a dialogue leading to tangible changes on the ground.