Minority Under Siege in B’desh: Yunus’ Attempt to Spin Communal Attacks as Political Fallout.

Muhammad Yunus casts doubt on India’s allegations of large-scale attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh, implying they are exaggerated.

Upendra Bharti | HENB | New Delhi | Sept 6, 2024:: Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has downplayed India’s concerns over attacks on Hindus, stating that the issue has been “exaggerated”. He attributed the attacks on minority Hindus to political motivations rather than communal sentiments, according to PTI reports.

Muhammad Yunus told PTI that the attacks on minorities in Bangladesh are a political consequence, stemming from the perception that Hindus largely supported the ousted Awami League government, led by Sheikh Hasina.

Interim Chief Yunus attributed the communal attacks on minority Hindus in Bangladesh to political motives, seemingly deflecting attention from the culpability of extremist groups like Hefazat and Jamat, who incited violence under the guise of a student-led movement, targeting Hindus, Indians, and supporters of Sheikh Hasina.

“I have said this to (Prime Minister Narendra) Modi also that this is exaggerated. This issue has several dimensions. When the country went through an upheaval following the atrocities by (Sheikh) Hasina and the Awami League, those who were with them also faced attacks,” the Nobel laureate said.

Muhammad Yunus’ statement downplaying the attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh comes amidst reports of widespread violence and vandalism targeting Hindu temples, businesses, and individuals, including the killing of two Hindu leaders affiliated with the Awami League, following the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on August 5.

“Now, while beating up Awami League cadres, they had beaten up Hindus as there is a perception that Hindus in Bangladesh mean Awami League supporters. I am not saying what has happened is right, but some people are using it as an excuse to seize property. So, there is no clear distinction between Awami League supporters and Hindus,” Yunus said.

Yunus, during his first direct conversation with New Delhi after the formation of the interim government, conveyed to PM Modi that Bangladesh would prioritise the protection and safety of Hindus and all other minority groups.

Describing the attacks as more political than communal, Yunus questioned how India is “propagating” them.

“These attacks are political in nature and not communal. And India is propagating these incidents in a big way. We have not said that we can’t do anything; we have said that we are doing everything,” the Chief Adviser said.

Muhammad Yunus urged India to abandon its concern that Bangladesh will become like Afghanistan following Sheikh Hasina’s removal, stating, ‘India is fixated on this narrative, but needs to move beyond it. Bangladesh is simply another neighboring country, like any other.’

Muhammad Yunus’ comments reveal a questionable commitment to protecting minority rights in Bangladesh, amidst reports of thousands of Hindus and non-Muslims being traumatized, forced to resign from their jobs, and targeted in educational institutions and other services.

Yunus also turned a blind eye to the widespread public outcry and protests within Bangladesh, condemning the brutal attacks on minority communities.
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__Inputs from PTI.