, the interim leader of Bangladesh, has made a statement supporting Hindus amid reports of violence against minorities in the country. During a visit to a temple and after meeting with Hindu leaders, Yunus emphasized that everyone should have equal rights, regardless of their religion.
India had expressed concern about the attacks on minorities in Bangladesh and appealed to the government for their protection.
After visiting the Dhakeshwari National Temple in Dhaka, Yunus, who won the Nobel Peace Prize, asked people to be patient and judge his government based on its actions.
Yunus took office as the head of the government in Bangladesh just three days after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was forced to resign due to widespread student protests.
Yunus met with leaders from the Bangladesh Puja Celebration Council and the Metropolitan Sarbajanin Puja Committee. He stated, “Rights should be the same for everyone. We are all equal individuals. Do not discriminate among us. Please, help us, be patient, and later decide what we were able to do. If we fail, then criticize us.”
Need to Fix Institutional Systems
Yunus also mentioned that in democratic aspirations, people should be seen as human beings rather than as Muslims, Hindus, or Buddhists. He pointed out that the root of problems is the failure of institutional systems and emphasized the need to improve these systems.
This is not the first time Yunus has spoken out against attacks on minorities, which he previously condemned as severe.
He said, “Aren’t they people of this country? You (students) are capable of saving this country; can’t you save a few families? They are my brothers. We fought together and we will stay together.”
On Sunday, Yunus praised the students who led the protests against Sheikh Hasina. He told them, “I respect and appreciate you. What you have done is unique, and because you ordered me to (be the interim leader), I accept it. Finally, Sheikh Hasina is gone.”
Ongoing Troubles in Bangladesh
Troubles in Bangladesh have been escalating since the elections on January 7, where Sheikh Hasina’s party won a large majority. However, the election process was widely criticized as neither free nor fair.
In June, student-led protests erupted after the Bangladesh High Court reinstated a 30% job reservation for freedom fighters’ families and veterans of the 1971 liberation war. Over 450 people were killed in the violence that followed. Although the court later reduced the quota, protests continued due to Hasina’s handling of the situation and her allegedly offensive statements.
Protests demanding Hasina’s resignation continued, leading to clashes between protesters and police on August 4, where more than 100 people were killed and dozens injured. The next day, millions of students took to the streets and headed towards the Prime Minister’s official residence, forcing Hasina to resign and flee to India.
Even after Hasina’s resignation, violence continued in some areas, with reports of attacks on minorities.
