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Go back to Pakistan: Bangladeshi diaspora protests against Yunus outside UN
Members of the Bangladeshi diaspora held a protest outside the United Nations in New York against interim chief adviser Muhammad Yunus, citing increased atrocities on minorities.
The demonstration reflected ongoing unrest and deepening divisions following last year’s regime change in Bangladesh.
What happened
At the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, a group of demonstrators, reportedly supporters of former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, protested outside the UN headquarters. They shouted slogans including “Yunus is Pakistani. Go back to Pakistan.”
The protesters accused Muhammad Yunus—Nobel laureate and interim chief adviser of Bangladesh—of bias, ineffective governance, and failing to represent the country or its people properly.
Background / Context
Muhammad Yunus assumed leadership of Bangladesh’s interim government on August 8, after Sheikh Hasina fled the country and parliament was dissolved. His takeover came amid large scale protests and political upheaval.
The demonstrations by the diaspora mirror broader domestic tensions: accusations of attacks on minority communities, questions about legitimacy, and friction over political authority.
Key claims / Accusations by Protesters
Yunus is unelected and is said to have come to power “unconstitutionally” or through “dirty politics.”
There are allegations of rising violence and discrimination against minorities (Hindus, Christians, etc.) under the Yunus-led regime.
Protesters expressed that Yunus does not legitimately represent the Bangladeshi people, especially since the previous prime minister (Sheikh Hasina) is considered by them to have not resigned or ceded power in a democratic way.
Responses & Significance
These protests highlight the diaspora’s involvement in Bangladeshi political affairs, especially during times of crisis or governance change. The diaspora often serves as a vocal influencer in international forums.
The slogans “Go back to Pakistan” have symbolic weight. They are meant to question Yunus’s patriotism or legitimacy, likening him to someone with loyalties to Pakistan—evoking historical and emotional tension, since Bangladesh was part of Pakistan until 1971.
For Yunus and his government, these protests represent international scrutiny and diplomatic pressure. How they respond—or fail to respond—could affect their legitimacy domestically and abroad.
Challenges & Counterpoints
Legitimacy: Whether Yunus’s appointment is constitutional or legal is contested. Supporters might argue the political process required interim leadership. Detractors see it as a coup-like takeover.
Minority rights situation: Proponents of Yunus might dispute or contextualize the allegations of minority attacks, or claim those are politicized. Independent verification is necessary.
Public opinion in Bangladesh is diverse; diaspora protests may reflect specific political factions rather than the view of the majority.
Possible implications going forward
International attention: These protests may draw more attention from human rights organizations, foreign governments monitoring Bangladesh.
Political polarization: The “Pakistan” slogan makes polarization sharper. It may inflame nationalist sentiment and make reconciliation or compromise harder.
Impact on Yunus’s diplomacy: Protests at the UN might affect Yunus’s ability to engage with foreign leaders, obtain aid, or participate in multilateral institutions without being questioned about legitimacy.
