Protests against Bangladesh’s interim leader Muhammad Yunus at UNGA in New York
- In Reports
- 01:01 PM, Sep 24, 2024
- Myind Staff
A large group of protesters gathered outside a hotel in New York where Muhammad Yunus, the interim leader of Bangladesh, is staying during the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). The demonstrators loudly chanted “Go Back” and accused Yunus of seizing power through corrupt and illegitimate means.
Carrying signs that read “Sheikh Hasina Our Prime Minister,” the protesters criticised Yunus for his handling of minority communities in Bangladesh. They claimed that attacks on Hindus, Muslims, and Christians had increased since Yunus took control. Yunus, an 84-year-old Nobel Peace Prize laureate, was sworn in as the Chief Advisor of Bangladesh's interim government on August 8. This happened after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled the country, and the parliament was dissolved.
Protesters voiced their concerns about Yunus’ rise to power. Sheikh Jamal Hussain, one of the protestors, said, “Sheikh Hasina has not resigned. Yunus took power illegally and through dirty politics. Many people have been killed.” Another protester, DM Ronald, expressed concerns about the escalating violence in Bangladesh since Yunus took office, “Our people are not safe in Bangladesh. He has been targeting minorities, burning houses, mosques, and churches.”
Dr. Rahman, another protester at the scene, added his criticism of Yunus, calling him an unelected leader who doesn’t represent the people. “I am here to protest the illegal, unelected person representing 117 million people of Bangladesh. He does not care about minorities or anyone else.”
Despite the protests, Yunus is in New York for important meetings on the sidelines of the UNGA. According to a report by Dhaka Tribune, Yunus has a busy schedule, including a meeting with U.S. President Joe Biden. He is also expected to meet with various global leaders, such as the Prime Ministers of the Netherlands, Pakistan, and Nepal, along with the U.S. Secretary of State, the UN Secretary-General, and the President of the World Bank.
In addition to his meetings, Yunus will attend a special event focused on the Rohingya crisis and will host a reception to celebrate Bangladesh's 50th year as a member of the United Nations.
On Monday, Bangladesh Foreign Affairs Advisor Md. Touhid Hossain met with India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on the sidelines of the UNGA to discuss a range of issues. The Bangladesh Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on X (formerly Twitter) that the meeting focused on strengthening the longstanding partnership between the two neighbouring countries.
While Yunus continues with his high-profile engagements at the UNGA, the protests show that tensions remain high regarding his leadership back home.
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