Protests Erupt Outside UN as Muhammad Yunus Speaks at General Assembly
New York [US], September 28: Demonstrations erupted outside the United Nations Headquarters in New York as Muhammad Yunus, Bangladesh’s Chief Advisor, addressed the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). Protesters gathered outside, chanting slogans and expressing strong opposition to Yunus.
Slogans of ‘terrorist, minority killer, Hindu killer Yunus, go back, step down’ were raised. A protestor stated, ‘Yunus has no right to speak on behalf of Bangladesh. He is unlawfully presenting a constitutionally run country.’
Another protestor added, ‘Dr Yunus is representing Bangladesh at the United Nations. 50 years ago, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman addressed the world in Bengali, and today, Dr Yunus delivered his lecture in English.’
Atrocities on Bangladeshi minorities, including Hindus, came to light after ex-PM Sheikh Hasina’s ouster. Protesters held posters saying, ‘Sheikh Hasina Our Prime Minister.’
While addressing the UNGA, Yunus praised his countrymen for the massive anti-government protests that led to Sheikh Hasina’s ouster. He said, ‘The power of the ordinary people, particularly our youth, presented an opportunity to overhaul many of our systems and institutions.’
Bangladesh witnessed Sheikh Hasina’s ouster amid student protests that turned into a massive anti-government movement, followed by the establishment of an interim government. During this period, several incidents of violence and chaos, particularly targeting minorities, were reported. Yunus was sworn in on August 8 as the head of an interim government after Sheikh Hasina fled the country and the parliament was dissolved.
Doubts Revealed
UN -: The UN stands for the United Nations. It is an organization where countries come together to talk about important issues and try to solve problems in the world.
Muhammad Yunus -: Muhammad Yunus is a famous person from Bangladesh. He is known for helping poor people by giving them small loans to start businesses.
General Assembly -: The General Assembly is a big meeting where representatives from all the countries in the United Nations come together to discuss important topics.
Bangladesh’s Chief Advisor -: The Chief Advisor is a top official in Bangladesh who gives important advice to the government.
79th session -: The 79th session means it is the 79th time this big meeting of the United Nations is happening.
Demonstrators -: Demonstrators are people who gather together to show their strong opinions about something, often by holding signs and chanting.
Youth-led protests -: Youth-led protests are demonstrations organized and led by young people to show their opinions and demand changes.
Ouster of ex-PM Sheikh Hasina -: Ouster means removing someone from power. Ex-PM Sheikh Hasina was the former Prime Minister of Bangladesh who was removed from her position.
Unrest and violence -: Unrest and violence mean there are a lot of fights and problems happening in a place, making it unsafe.
Minorities -: Minorities are smaller groups of people within a larger population who might have different cultures, religions, or languages.