Bangladesh Interim Leader Yunus Threatens to Quit Over Violence

 New Delhi/Dhaka: The head of Bangladesh’s interim government, Muhammad Yunus, has reportedly threatened to quit if attacks on the minorities in his country do not cease. The Nobel laureate, who was sworn in on Thursday night, was quoted in media reports as telling student leaders: “If you trust me to lead your country, the first step is to cease all attacks on people, especially the minorities. Without this, my efforts are futile, and it would be better if I stepped aside.” He was further quoted as saying: “Violence is our enemy. Let’s not create more. Be calm and prepare to build our nation.” It is unclear whether the comment was made in the run-up to or after the swearing-in ceremony.

Mr Yunus was the unanimous choice of the student leaders as the country’s new leader after their protests led to the ouster of Sheikh Hasina as Prime Minister on Monday. Political groups opposed to Ms Hasina had also joined the student protests. Mr Yunus has the unenviable task of rebuilding his conflict-torn nation and is expected to continue till fresh elections are held in the coming months.

As indicated earlier by the external affairs ministry Thursday, New Delhi on Friday said the Indian high commissioner in Dhaka had attended the swearing-in ceremony of Mr Yunus, a bitter critic of Sheikh Hasina, who was seen as a close friend of India and is currently holed up in New Delhi, where she fled on Monday evening. New Delhi has a robust development assistance partnership with Dhaka, where the Army took over charge on the sudden resignation and exit of Sheikh Hasina.

It may be noted that soon after the Nobel Laureate was sworn in late on Thursday evening in Dhaka, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had congratulated him and at the same time strongly raised the need for the new interim government in Bangladesh to ensure the protection of minorities there, including Hindus. Mr Modi had added that “India remains committed to working with Bangladesh to fulfil the shared aspirations of both our peoples for peace, security and development”.

The Prime Minister posted on X: “My best wishes to Prof. Muhammad Yunus on the assumption of his new responsibilities. We hope for an early return to normalcy, ensuring the safety and protection of Hindus and all other minority communities.”

Confirmation by New Delhi on Friday of the Indian high commissioner having attended the swearing-in ceremony and also Mr Modi’s message to Dhaka signals that New Delhi is keen to continue its friendship with the people of Bangladesh irrespective of the government in power there. Sheikh Hasina was ousted from power as PM earlier this week after the protests by students and political groups. Mr Modi’s reference to the need for Bangladesh to protect its minorities, including Hindus, is a politically-important one to Dhaka and comes amid selective targeting of Hindu homes and temples by a section of the protesters in recent days.

According to media reports earlier on Thursday from Dhaka, Mr Yunus, 84, took the oath during a ceremony at the presidential palace in Dhaka on Thursday night that was attended by political leaders, civil society leaders, generals and diplomats. “I will uphold, support and protect the Constitution,” Mr Yunus was quoted as saying, as he was administered the oath by President Mohammed Shahabuddin.