Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, currently in New York for the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, has stated that violence against Hindus in Bangladesh has not increased and that the country’s law and order situation is under control.
Speaking in an interview with journalist Mehdi Hassan of Zeteo, Yunus addressed concerns about minority repression, the aftermath of the July Uprising, and the transition to the interim administration following the fall of the Awami League government.
Responding to allegations of targeted attacks against Hindus, Yunus dismissed claims of widespread violence as fake news and exaggeration, attributing much of the criticism to misinformation originating from India. He acknowledged that occasional disputes occur, often over land or family matters, but emphasized these are normal neighborly conflicts rather than religiously motivated attacks. “It’s common. You happen to be my neighbor, you are Hindu, I am Muslim. Sometimes there are land disputes or family issues. That is all,” Yunus said.
On concerns that anti-Hindu violence had risen since the revolution, Yunus said the situation has not worsened and the government remains vigilant. He urged Hindus to see themselves first as citizens of Bangladesh entitled to protection by the state, rather than isolating themselves as members of a minority community.
Addressing wider public concerns about crime and security, Yunus acknowledged the transitional challenges following the uprising, noting that law enforcement had to deal with uncertainty as former adversaries took on peacekeeping roles. “During that period, everything was in a kind of mess. You didn’t know who was on which side. Now it has settled down,” he said, affirming that crime is now under control.
When asked about the army chief’s warning that internal conflicts could threaten national sovereignty, Yunus agreed that unity is essential but maintained that the situation is stable. “Anyone would agree. If you fight, sovereignty could be at risk. Our common goal is to stay united,” he said.
Yunus’ remarks come amid ongoing scrutiny from international media and foreign observers about minority rights and law enforcement in Bangladesh following political upheaval.
Source- Zeteo
Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus interview with Mehdi Hassan.
