Go Back To Pakistan: Bangladeshi Diaspora Protests Against Yunus Outside UN

Members of the Bangladeshi diaspora gathered outside the United Nations headquarters in New York on Friday to protest against Interim Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus. Demonstrators accused Yunus of presiding over a surge in violence against minorities, particularly since taking office following the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in 2024.

Chanting slogans such as “Yunus is Pakistani, go back to Pakistan,” protesters expressed anger and frustration, alleging that the situation for religious minorities in Bangladesh has sharply deteriorated since the regime change. One participant described the human rights situation as “dire,” claiming that violence against Hindus and other minority groups has escalated since August 5, 2024, forcing many to flee the country. Speaking to ANI, a protester said, “We are protesting against the illegal Yunus regime. After Sheikh Hasina was forced to leave the country on August 5, 2024, Yunus captured power. Since then, minorities, Hindus, and people of other faiths have been killed. Millions have had to leave, especially Hindus. The condition is dire. Yunus must step down and allow elections.”

Another protester accused Yunus of steering Bangladesh toward extremism, calling the country under his leadership a “Taliban state.” He added, “We are here today in front of the United Nations to protest against Dr Yunus, who is making Bangladesh a Taliban country, a terrorist country, and committing atrocities against Hindus, Buddhists, Christians, and other minorities. We demand the release of religious priest Chinmoy Krishna Das, who has been unlawfully detained by Dr Yunus. He must resign.”

Several demonstrators also claimed that Sheikh Hasina’s secular, democratic government was “illegally overthrown on August 5, 2024.” One protester remarked, “The purpose of this rally is simple: the elected government led by Sheikh Hasina was unlawfully ousted. Since then, in collusion with Islamist groups and terrorist forces, Dr Yunus has been transforming Bangladesh into a semi-Taliban nation.”

While the protests unfolded outside, Muhammad Yunus addressed world leaders inside the UN. He reminded them of Bangladesh’s 2024 popular uprising and outlined the interim government’s reform journey. Highlighting the importance of migrant workers, Yunus said, “Out of every 100 people on this planet, nearly three live in Bangladesh. Their contribution is not only vital for Bangladesh, but equally valuable for host countries where they provide essential services in high demand. Migration is therefore mutually beneficial: good for us, good for them.” He also urged host nations to “ensure empathy and protection” for migrants.