Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser, Muhammad Yunus, rejected allegations of violence targeting Hindus in the country, labeling them as misinformation spread by India. In an interview with US journalist Mehdi Hassan, Yunus criticized the proliferation of fake news from India, emphasizing that conflicts between neighbors over land disputes and local issues should not be misconstrued as communal strife.
Dismissing international reports of communal violence against Hindus in Bangladesh following the previous government’s downfall, Yunus highlighted the government’s vigilance in addressing such concerns amidst external pressures, particularly from India. The aftermath of Sheikh Hasina’s removal saw widespread coverage of communal incidents, with even US President Donald Trump commenting on the treatment of Hindus under the Yunus administration.
Responding to Trump’s remarks, Yunus questioned the accuracy of the President’s statements regarding the situation in Bangladesh. Last November, approximately 30,000 Hindus staged a protest in Dhaka, seeking protection from perceived attacks and harassment, and calling for the withdrawal of sedition charges against Hindu leaders, including monk Chinmoy Krishna Das, whose arrest sparked controversy, even in India.
Additionally, Yunus urged Hindus in Bangladesh to view themselves primarily as Bangladeshi citizens rather than solely as Hindus to avoid feelings of isolation. Encouraging them to assert their rights as citizens entitled to state protection, Yunus emphasized the importance of identifying as Bangladeshi for broader support and security.