‘Go Back, Step Down’: Protests Erupt in US Against Bangladesh’s Interim Leader Muhammad Yunus

Muhammad Yunus, who assumed leadership of Bangladesh’s interim government on August 8 following Sheikh Hasina’s resignation and departure from the country, faced protests by Bangladeshi nationals in the United States. The demonstrators, angered by alleged attacks on minorities in Bangladesh, gathered outside a New York hotel where Yunus was staying for the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) session.

Protesters were seen chanting slogans such as “Go back” and “Step down,” and holding posters declaring, “Sheikh Hasina is our Prime Minister.” Videos of the protest circulated on social media, with participants accusing Yunus of seizing power through “dirty politics.”

One protester told, “Muhammad Yunus took power unconstitutionally and illegally. He captured power with dirty politics, and many people have been killed. Our elected PM, Sheikh Hasina, has not resigned. We humbly request the UN not to recognize him as the representative of the Bangladeshi people.”

Another protester added, “Yunus is an unelected leader who doesn’t care about minorities. He was appointed by students and has illegally taken control of the country.”

Yunus took over as head of the interim government following widespread protests against Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League-led government, which faced backlash over a controversial job quota system. The political crisis led to violence across the country, resulting in over 200 deaths. In the aftermath, some protesters targeted minority communities, vandalizing temples and committing acts of arson and looting.

On Tuesday, Yunus attended a high-level meeting at an event on the sidelines of the UNGA, where he emphasized the urgent need for the repatriation of over 1.2 million Rohingya refugees currently residing in Bangladesh. He highlighted the significant economic, social, and environmental costs the country is incurring due to the refugee crisis and called for repatriation as the only sustainable solution.

Yunus also met with US President Joe Biden, where both leaders reaffirmed the “close partnership” between Bangladesh and the United States, rooted in shared democratic values. Biden expressed support for Bangladesh’s new reform agenda.

Earlier, Yunus held talks with India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, discussing issues of mutual interest. He is scheduled to address the UNGA’s general debate on Friday, September 27.