Massive Protest Against Muhammad Yunus in New York Over Attacks on Minorities in Bangladesh

New York: A massive protest erupted outside the hotel where Muhammad Yunus, the head of Bangladesh 's interim government, is staying for attending the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) session. Bangladeshi nationals gathered to voice their opposition, chanting slogans against Yunus and targeting his government’s alleged attacks on minorities in Bangladesh .

Dr. Rahman, one of the protestors said, "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."

Another protester, DM Ronald, echoed these sentiments and said, "We believe in a secular democracy. After he took the power by force, he started killing Hindus, Muslims, Christians... Our people are not safe in Bangladesh ..."

Yunus arrived in New York on Monday night (US Time) to attend the UNGA session, facing significant backlash during his first foreign visit since becoming Chief Adviser of the interim government on August 8. His appointment followed the fall of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina 's government amid a student-led uprising.

Dr. Yunus is scheduled to meet with US President Joe Biden on Tuesday, reflecting the growing relations between the two countries—a notable development as no US president has held a bilateral meeting with any Bangladeshi head of government in recent decades. He will also address the UNGA session on September 27.

Bangladeshis are eagerly awaiting the outcome of the pivotal meeting between Dr. Yunus and President Biden. Earlier, US officials affirmed their commitment to fostering inclusive economic growth and development for the people of Bangladesh under the interim government. "As Bangladesh looks to chart a more equitable and inclusive future, the US stands ready to support those efforts," top US officials said following a recent meeting with Dr. Yunus in Dhaka.

Chief Adviser Yunus has highlighted the challenges facing his administration, emphasizing efforts to "reset, reform, and restart" the economy, along with necessary reforms in the financial sector and institutions such as the judiciary and election commission.

During his visit, Yunus will also participate in a high-level side event titled 'Meet the Friends of Bangladesh ' and is expected to hold bilateral meetings with several world leaders, including the Italian president, the Kuwaiti crown prince, and the prime ministers of the Netherlands, Pakistan , and Nepal. Additionally, he will meet with key figures such as the President of the European Union, the US Secretary of State, the UN Secretary-General, and the World Bank President.

On September 24, Dr. Yunus will attend a welcome reception hosted by UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres for Heads of Delegation and will also commemorate the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh 's membership in the United Nations.

The protests in New York highlight the significant tension surrounding Dr. Yunus's leadership and the ongoing concerns over minority rights and democratic governance in Bangladesh .