New York: Members of the Bangladeshi diaspora staged a protest outside the United Nations headquarters on Friday, expressing anger at Muhammad Yunus, the interim Chief Adviser of Bangladesh. The demonstrators accused Yunus of overseeing a sharp rise in atrocities against minorities since taking office after former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s ouster in August 2024.
Protests outside UN
The protesters, mainly supporters of Sheikh Hasina, shouted slogans such as “Yunus is Pakistani. Go back to Pakistan” while holding banners demanding his resignation and calling for new elections. Many participants alleged a deteriorating human rights situation in Bangladesh, particularly targeting Hindus, Buddhists, Christians, and other religious minorities.
One protester told ANI, “We are protesting against the illegal Yunus regime. Since the 5th of August 2024, minorities have been killed, and millions have been forced to flee the country. This is a dire condition in Bangladesh, and Yunus must step down.”
Another participant alleged that Yunus is pushing Bangladesh towards extremism, calling the nation a “Taliban country” and accused him of imprisoning religious leaders, including Chinmoy Krishna Das, demanding their release.
Claims of illegal ouster and religious persecution
Protesters maintained that Sheikh Hasina’s government was illegally ousted on August 5, 2024, and claimed that Yunus, in collusion with Islamist forces, was transforming Bangladesh into a semi-Taliban state. They accused the interim government of systematic human rights violations against religious minorities and warned of escalating extremism in the country.
The diaspora activists also highlighted the plight of Hindu, Buddhist, and Christian communities, stating that many were fleeing to India and other neighbouring nations to escape persecution.
Yunus addresses the UN
Inside the United Nations, Muhammad Yunus addressed world leaders, emphasising Bangladesh’s ongoing journey of transformation. He said, “Last year, in this august assembly, I spoke to you from a country that had just witnessed a popular uprising. I shared with you our aspirations for transformation. Today, I stand here to tell you how far we have come on that journey. Out of every 100 people on this planet, nearly three live in Bangladesh.”
Yunus also highlighted the role of Bangladeshi migrant workers globally, noting that their contributions are vital both for Bangladesh and host countries. He urged nations to “ensure empathy and protection” for migrants, describing migration as mutually beneficial.
Diplomatic and social context
The protests outside the UN underscore the heightened tensions within the Bangladeshi diaspora and opposition to the interim government’s policies. The demonstrations coincided with Yunus’ UN address, signalling dissent against his leadership and concerns over religious freedom and human rights in Bangladesh.
While Yunus sought to portray progress and stability to international leaders, the diaspora’s vocal protests highlighted the contrasting domestic perceptions and continuing political friction since the 2024 regime change.
Conclusion
The UN protest reflects ongoing concerns over minority rights and political legitimacy in Bangladesh, with the diaspora actively voicing opposition to Yunus’ interim government. The events at the UN highlight the challenges faced by the new administration in balancing international diplomacy with domestic dissent.