Muhammad Yunus, the leader of Bangladesh’s interim government, faced protests on Monday as demonstrators gathered outside his hotel in New York, chanting “Go Back”.
Yunus is in the US to attend the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
The protests were fueled by allegations of systemic attacks on minority communities in Bangladesh. Activists condemned his government, claiming that violence against minorities intensified after he came to power. Yunus was sworn in on August 8, after Sheikh Hasina fled the country and parliament was dissolved.
Demonstrators voiced their anger with chants such as “Go back! Step down!” and held posters declaring, “Sheikh Hasina Our Prime Minister.”
“Yunus seized power unconstitutionally and illegally. He engaged in dirty politics. A lot of people have been killed. Our elected Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina, has yet to resign. We humbly request the UN not to allow him to represent the Bangladeshi people here,” Sheikh Jamal Hussain, a protestor, said.
Calling for peace, another protester, DM Ronald, said: “We believe in secular democracy. Since he took power by force, there have been attacks on Hindus, Muslims, and Christians. Homes, mosques, and churches are being burned. Our people are not safe in Bangladesh.”
Dr. Rahman added, “I am here to protest against this illegal, unelected individual representing 117 million Bangladeshis. He is not elected; he was appointed by students. He disregards minorities and has illegally occupied the country.”
Despite the ongoing protests, Yunus has planned high-profile meetings during the UNGA, including one with U.S. President Joe Biden. He is scheduled to address the UNGA on September 27 and engage with leaders from the European Union and the UN.
(With ANI input)