Muhammad Yunus, the chief adviser of Bangladesh’s caretaker government and Nobel laureate, strongly condemned the recent violence targeting the country’s minority communities, particularly Hindus, as “heinous.” His remarks came amidst escalating tensions and reports of attacks on minority groups.
During a visit to Rangpur on August 10, 2024, Yunus, who leads the interim administration following the ouster of Sheikh Hasina’s government, expressed his outrage over the ongoing violence. Speaking to students at Begum Rokeya University, Yunus urged them to stand in solidarity with the affected families, emphasizing that minorities are integral to the nation. “Are they (minorities) not the people of this country? You (students) have been able to save this country; can’t you save some families? You must say, ‘No one can harm them. They are my brothers; we fought together, and we will stay together,’” Yunus asserted.
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The 84-year-old economist also warned that the attacks on minorities could be a deliberate attempt to undermine their progress. He cautioned against efforts to sabotage the ongoing efforts for peace and stability. “There are many standing by to make your efforts futile. Don’t fall this time,” Yunus stated.
According to reports from two Hindu organizations, the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council and the Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad, there have been at least 205 attacks on minority communities across 52 districts since the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government. This has led to a surge in violence and persecution, causing many Bangladeshi Hindus to flee to neighboring India in search of safety.
The violence has primarily targeted Hindus, who make up the largest minority group in Bangladesh, constituting about 8% of the population, or approximately 13 million people out of the total 170 million. The ongoing crisis has intensified concerns about the safety and security of minority communities in the region.
In light of these developments, calls for intervention and a thorough investigation into the attacks have gained momentum. The situation remains dire, with significant implications for both domestic stability and regional relations.
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