At a crucial moment when reports of violence against minorities, including Hindus, have emerged in Bangladesh, Muhammad Yunus, the head of the interim government, made a significant appeal for unity. Yunus visited a temple, met with Hindu leaders, and emphasized that everyone’s rights should be protected, regardless of religion.
During his visit to the Dhakeshwari National Temple in Dhaka on Tuesday, Yunus, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, called on people to “exercise patience” and evaluate his government based on its actions. Yunus assumed the role of head of the government last Thursday, following the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina amid widespread student protests.
Meeting with representatives from Hindu organizations, including the Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad and the Mahanagar Sarbajanin Puja Committee, Yunus stated, “Rights are equal for everyone. We are all one people with one right. Do not make distinctions among us. Please support us. Exercise patience, and later judge our performance. If we fail, then criticize us.”
The leader of Bangladesh’s interim govt, Prof Muhammad Yunus, visits Dhaka’s Dhakeshwari National Temple. It’s one of the holiest Shakta pithas & largest Hindu temples of Bangladesh. pic.twitter.com/EXlLjKZAhK
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) August 13, 2024
He added, “In our democratic aspirations, we should be seen not as Muslims, Hindus, or Buddhists, but as human beings. Our rights must be safeguarded. The root of all problems lies in the deterioration of institutional arrangements. This is why such issues arise. We need to fix these arrangements.”
Yunus has previously condemned attacks on minorities, labeling them as heinous.
“Are they not part of this country? You (students) have saved this country; can’t you save some families? They are my brothers… we fought together, and we will stay together,” he had remarked.
On Sunday, Yunus praised the students who led the movement against Hasina, saying, “I respect you… I admire you. What you have done is unparalleled, and because you asked me to lead the interim government, I accept… Finally, the monster (Hasina) is gone,” after meeting with students.
Tensions in Bangladesh had been rising before the January 7 elections, which saw Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League win a landslide victory. The election was widely criticized for lacking fairness.
A new wave of protests began in June, following a high court ruling that reinstated a 30 percent reservation for freedom fighters’ family members in government jobs. Although the Supreme Court later reduced the quota, Hasina’s response to the protests and her derogatory remarks towards the demonstrators incited further unrest.
Protests continued with students demanding Hasina’s resignation, leading to clashes with police that resulted in over 100 deaths and many injuries. On August 5, a massive student demonstration forced Hasina to resign and flee to India.
