‘Go back,’ Bangladesh’s Yunus faces massive protests in New York for attacks on minorities

Muhammad Yunus, the leader of Bangladesh’s interim government, faced massive protests Tuesday (Sep 25) in New York for attacks on minorities in his home country following the collapse of the Sheikh Hasina regime in August. The protests took place outside the hotel where he is staying, with people chanting “go back” and “step down”.

#WATCH | New York, US: Bangladeshi nationals gather outside the hotel where Head of Bangladesh's interim government, Mohammad Yunus has arrived and chant slogans against him over attacks on minorities in their country. pic.twitter.com/GPSoQPg8Dv

Yunus is visiting the United Statesto attend the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) session.

‘Dirty politics’

According to protestors, Yunus came to power with dirty politics. They were also sloganeering in favour of now-deposed PM Hasina, chanting, “Sheikh Hasina our Prime Minister”.

“Muhammad Yunus took the power unconstitutionally, illegally. He captured power with dirty politics, and a lot of people have been killed. So far, our elected PM, Sheikh Hasina, has not resigned. We request UN humbly that he did not represent Bangladeshi people here,” one of the protesters was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.

“I am here to protest the illegal, unelected person representing 117 million people of Bangladesh...He is not elected, he has been appointed by students. He doesn't care about minorities or anybody...He has illegally occupied the country,” a second protester said.

Attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh

Yunus took charge as the head of the South Asian country’s interim government on August 8 after Hasina tendered her resignation and fled the country following riots that erupted over a controversial quota system.

After Hasina’s government collapsed, attacks on minorities, especially Hindus, saw a dramatic rise under the Yunus government’s watch.

Reports have emerged alleging that Hindus are being threatened against celebrating Durga Puja whereas Hindu officials are being pressed into opting for early retirement. According to media reports, miscreants have threatened Hindus to disrupt their Durga Puja celebrations unless they pay 5 lakh taka ($4,100). Such letters have been sent to the leaders of various puja celebration committees.

As a result of these threats, some Hindus have already cancelled Durga Puja celebrations.

India has made several appeals to the Yunus government to address security concerns raised by Hindus but to no avail.

(With inputs from agencies)