Bangladesh Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus calls attacks on Hindus ‘exaggerated propaganda’

Bangladesh’s Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus downplayed recent violence against the country’s Hindu minority on Sunday, describing it as “exaggerated propaganda” with political motives aimed at destabilising the nation.

Yunus acknowledged that violence occurred but insisted it was political in nature and “given a communal colour.” His remarks came after weeks of protests by tens of thousands of Hindus demanding protection amid a wave of attacks on homes, businesses, and religious sites.

Although the Hindus, who make up about 8 per cent of Bangladesh’s 17 crore population, celebrated a muted Durga Puja this year and at least 35 untoward incidents related to the festival were reported, Yunus stated, “Durga Puja was celebrated in almost 32,000 pandals across the country.”

In contrasting claims, Hindus and other minority communities earlier stated that the interim government hasn’t adequately protected them. However, the 84-year-old Yunus on Sunday said that massive security arrangements were made to ensure peaceful Durga Puja celebrations across the country.

The Bangladesh Police in the month of October reportedly stated that 17 people were arrested in connection with the 35 untoward incidents during Durga Puja festivities and 11 cases were filed.

“We have sought a probe into each and every incident of violence against the Hindu community,” Bangladesh’s Chief Advisor said.

Yunus assured that his government is committed to providing safety to all the religious minorities in the country.

There have been over 2,000 attacks on Hindus since the ouster of Sheikh Hasina in August this year, The Associated Press in its November 2 report was quoted as saying by the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council, a minority rights group that has been tracking incidents.

The violence has drawn international attention.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had in August expressed concern over the attacks on the minorities. In his live broadcast Independence Day speech from Red Fort, PM Modi said, “We hope the situation gets normal there (Bangladesh) soon.”

PM Modi was later assured by Muhammad Yunus of the safety and security of the Hindus and minorities in the country.

The issue reached the United Nations as human rights officials have expressed concern over human rights violations in the country. While US President Joe Biden said his government is monitoring Bangladesh’s human rights issue, Donald Trump before the US elections described the violence as “barbaric”.