Yunus Criticizes India's Portrayal of Attacks on Bangladesh's Minority Hindus

Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has labeled attacks on minority Hindus in Bangladesh as exaggerated and driven by political upheaval rather than communal factors. He emphasized that the targeting of Hindus is more about their perceived political allegiance to the Awami League. Yunus questioned how India is projecting these incidents.

Chief Adviser to Bangladesh's interim government, Muhammad Yunus, has stated that the alleged attacks on minority Hindus in his country are "exaggerated" and questioned India's portrayal of the events.

In an interview with PTI, Yunus clarified that the attacks targeting minorities in Bangladesh are politically motivated rather than communal.

He pointed out that there is a widespread perception that Hindus, who often support the ousted Awami League regime, have been targeted in the political unrest. "This issue has several dimensions. During the upheaval after the atrocities by Sheikh Hasina and the Awami League, their supporters also faced attacks," Yunus explained.

Yunus assured Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi that Dhaka would prioritize the protection and safety of Hindus and other minority groups. Modi affirmed India's support for a peaceful Bangladesh and emphasized minority protection.

Hindus, once 22 percent of Bangladesh's population, now make up about 8 percent and predominantly support the Awami League. Yunus criticized India's broad propagation of these incidents as politically instigated rather than communal.

Yunus also advised minority community leaders to advocate for their rights as citizens rather than solely as Hindus. Thousands have protested in Bangladesh demanding safety amid nationwide attacks described as an assault on the Hindu religion.

(With inputs from agencies.)