Protesters Rally Against Muhammad Yunus in New York, Chanting “Go Back” Outside UNGA Hotel

Vociferous protesters gathered outside a hotel in New York, where Muhammad Yunus, head of Bangladesh’s interim government, is staying for the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). The demonstrators raised slogans against Yunus, calling for his resignation amid allegations of attacks on minorities in Bangladesh.

Chanting “Go back, Step down, Step down,” the protesters held signs declaring, “Sheikh Hasina Our Prime Minister.” Yunus assumed his role as chief advisor of the interim government on August 8 after Sheikh Hasina left the country and the parliament was dissolved.

The protesters accused the 84-year-old Nobel Laureate of coming to power through “dirty politics,” asserting that he had done so “unconstitutionally and illegally.” One protester, Sheikh Jamal Hussain, told ANI, “Muhammad Yunus took power with dirty politics, and many people have died. Our elected PM Sheikh Hasina has not resigned, and we humbly request the UN to recognize that he does not represent the Bangladeshi people here.”

Another protester, DM Ronald, emphasized their demand for peace and secular democracy, stating, “After he took power by force, he started killing Hindus, Muslims, and Christians. Our people are not safe in Bangladesh.”

Dr. Rahman, another protester, voiced frustration over Yunus representing Bangladesh, saying, “I am here to protest an illegal, unelected person representing 117 million people. He doesn’t care about minorities or anyone else; he has illegally occupied the country.”

According to the Bangladesh Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Yunus has a series of high-profile meetings scheduled during the UNGA, including a meeting with US President Joe Biden on Tuesday. He is also set to address the General Debate of the UNGA on September 27.

The chief advisor’s agenda includes meetings with leaders such as the prime ministers of the Netherlands, Pakistan, and Nepal, as well as the President of the European Union, the US Secretary of State, the UN Secretary-General, the UN Human Rights Chief, the World Bank President, and the USAID Administrator. Yunus will also participate in a high-level side event regarding the Rohingya crisis and host a reception celebrating Bangladesh’s 50th anniversary as a UN member.

Additionally, on Monday, Bangladesh Foreign Affairs Advisor Md. Touhid Hossain met with India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to discuss mutual interests and strengthen ties between the two neighboring countries, as announced by the Bangladesh Ministry of Foreign Affairs on X, formerly known as Twitter.