Muhammad Yunus Condemns Attacks on Minorities

Bangladesh’s Muhammad Yunus Condemns ‘Heinous’ Attacks on Minorities

In recent weeks, Bangladesh has witnessed a troubling surge in violence against minority communities. Since the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government on August 5, there have been at least 205 reported attacks across 52 districts, as detailed by the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council and the Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad. The violence has prompted many Hindus to seek refuge in neighboring India.

On Saturday, interim leader Muhammad Yunus, renowned for his Nobel Peace Prize, addressed these issues, calling the attacks “heinous” and urging youth to safeguard Hindu, Christian, and Buddhist families. Yunus emphasized the critical role of students in the ongoing crisis, urging them to remain vigilant and united against those who seek to undermine their efforts.

In his address at Begum Rokeya University, Yunus highlighted the importance of national unity and student leadership. He cautioned against efforts to sabotage the student-led movements and stressed that the future of Bangladesh is in their hands.

Yunus also honored the memory of Abu Sayed, a student activist who was among the first casualties of police violence during the anti-government protests. Sayed’s family received Yunus’s condolences, and he called for collective action to protect Sayed’s legacy and ensure justice.

Protests continue to escalate, with thousands of Hindus demonstrating in Shahbagh, demanding protection for their communities and accountability for the attacks on their homes and temples. They have called for the establishment of a ministry for minorities, a protection commission, and legislative measures to prevent such violence in the future.

In another significant development, Bangladesh’s Chief Justice Obaidul Hassan resigned following intense protests. The resignation came after student activists demanded a judicial overhaul. Justice Md Ashfaqul Islam has been appointed as the acting chief justice.

As the situation unfolds, Yunus’s call for unity and protection of minority communities remains a crucial element in addressing the current crisis and fostering a more inclusive Bangladesh.