Bangladeshi Diaspora In US Protests Against Yunus Govt, Alleges Rise In Minority Atrocities

Last Updated:September 27, 2025, 09:05 IST

Protests by Bangladeshi diaspora supporters of Sheikh Hasina erupted outside the UN in New York, accusing interim leader Muhammad Yunus of atrocities against minorities.

Protests against Bangladesh government outside UN in New York (Video screengrabs/Social Media)

Protests were witnessed on Friday outside the United Nations headquarters in New York, where members of the Bangladeshi diaspora shouted slogans and displayed banners against Muhammad Yunus, Chief Adviser of Bangladesh’s interim government.

The protesters, mostly supporters of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, alleged a sharp increase in atrocities against minorities in the country ever since the Yunus government took over.

Chants and slogans like ‘Yunus is Pakistani’ and ‘Go back to Pakistan’ were shouted at the venue. 

Speaking to news agency ANI, one of the protesters highlighted that there is a “dire condition” in Bangladesh, and since Yunus assumed power, minorities, including Hindus and people of other religions, have faced killings, and millions have fled the country.

Another protestor alleged that Yunus is turning Bangladesh into a “Taliban country, a terrorist country.”

Adding on to the claims, another protester said that Sheikh Hasina, who led a democratically elected secular government, was “illegally ousted on August 5, 2024.” 

This came hours after Muhammad Yunus addressed the fourth day of the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Friday, marking his second speech at the world body since the Gen Z-led uprising toppled Sheikh Hasina’s 15-year rule last year.

Reflecting on Bangladesh’s political transformation, Yunus told delegates, “Last year, in this august assembly, I spoke to you from a country that had just witnessed a popular uprising. I shared with you our aspirations for transformation.”

“Today, I stand here to tell you how far we have come on that journey. Out of every 100 people on this planet, nearly three live in Bangladesh,” he said.

Yunus said that Bangladesh’s significance did not lie in its numbers or geography but in the resilience of its people.

“Our story matters because it is a reminder of the extraordinary power of ordinary people. It matters because it inspires hope among nations everywhere, that no matter how deep the crisis, no matter how impossible the solution may seem, the path to renewal is never lost,” he added.

The interim leader also aligned Bangladesh with the findings of a UN human rights commission on Gaza.

“We do agree with the UN independent international inquiry commission that we are witnessing a genocide happening live,” he said.

“Unfortunately, on behalf of humanity, we are not doing enough to stop it. If this continues, neither future generations nor history will forgive us,” he added.

ALSO READ | Yunus Says India-Bangladesh Ties Face Strain Over Former PM Hasina’s Refuge In New Delhi

About the Author

Vani Mehrotra

Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks.

Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks.

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