Bangladesh’s Interim Government Ensures Safety Amid Protests
Md Touhid Hossain Meets S Jaishankar at UNGA
New York [US], September 24: Bangladesh Foreign Affairs Advisor Md Touhid Hossain has assured that the interim government is doing everything possible to protect its citizens, including Hindus. He emphasized that the reported violence against Hindus is being exaggerated by the media.
Hossain stated, “Any violence that has taken place is being shown as violence against Hindus, this is not correct. I think Indian media needs to come out of this hyping up this issue. We are doing everything possible for the protection of our citizens, and Hindus in Bangladesh are our citizens, we are taking care of them.”
Bangladesh has been experiencing unrest following the ouster of Sheikh Hasina amid student protests, leading to the formation of an interim government. During this period, several incidents of violence, particularly targeting minorities, have been reported.
On the sidelines of the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) session in New York, Hossain met with India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. Hossain mentioned that all aspects of bilateral relations were discussed during the meeting.
Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs shared details of the meeting on social media, stating, “Foreign Affairs Adviser, HE Md. Touhid Hossain and External Affairs Minister, HE @DrSJaishankar, met at #UNGA79 sidelines and discussed issues of mutual interest between #Bangladesh|#India.”
Jaishankar also posted about the meeting, saying, “Had a meeting with Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain of Bangladesh in New York this evening. The conversation focussed on our bilateral ties.”
Earlier, protesters chanted slogans against Bangladesh’s Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus as he arrived in New York for the UNGA session. They accused him of coming to power through “dirty politics” and alleged that he does not represent the people of Bangladesh.
Protesters, including Sheikh Jamal Hussain and DM Ronald, voiced their concerns about the safety of minorities and the legitimacy of Yunus’s government. They claimed that Yunus took power unconstitutionally and has failed to protect the citizens.
Despite the protests, Yunus has a series of high-profile meetings lined up, including one with US President Joe Biden. He is also set to address the General Debate of the UNGA on September 27.
Doubts Revealed
Interim Government -: An interim government is a temporary government put in place until a new one is elected or established. It helps manage the country during a transition period.
Md Touhid Hossain -: Md Touhid Hossain is an advisor for foreign affairs in Bangladesh. He helps the government with international relations and policies.
S Jaishankar -: S Jaishankar is India’s External Affairs Minister. He handles India’s relationships with other countries.
UNGA -: UNGA stands for United Nations General Assembly. It’s a big meeting where countries discuss global issues.
Hindus -: Hindus are people who follow Hinduism, a major religion in India and other parts of South Asia.
Bilateral relations -: Bilateral relations are the connections and dealings between two countries. They discuss things like trade, security, and cooperation.
Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus -: Muhammad Yunus is the Chief Advisor in Bangladesh. He is a leader who helps guide the government.
US President Joe Biden -: Joe Biden is the President of the United States. He is the leader of the country and makes important decisions.