Muhammad Yunus, the head of Bangladesh’s interim government encountered protests in New York as demonstrators voiced anger against his leadership. The protests, held outside his hotel during the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), were driven by accusations of increased violence against minority groups since Yunus assumed power in August, Indian state owned DD News reported.

The demonstrators accused Yunus, who took control after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled the country on August 5 and parliament was dissolved, of leading an illegitimate regime. They carried signs with messages like "Sheikh Hasina, Our Prime Minister" and shouted slogans demanding Yunus step down. 

Protestors also alleged that Yunus unlawfully seized power, leading to widespread unrest and violence against minority communities, including Hindus, Muslims, and Christians. Protestors highlighted the worsening situation for minorities in Bangladesh. 

Reports of violence have been widespread in recent weeks even as Yunus has denied such reports, and there is a very real fear in the region that radical Muslim groups may be using the current uncertainty in the country to promote Islam over other faiths in the country.

DM Ronald, one of the activists, stressed the importance of secular democracy and claimed that homes, mosques, and churches had been attacked since Yunus took control. 

Another activist, Dr Rahman, joined the criticism, asserting that Yunus, appointed by student groups, had no democratic mandate to represent Bangladesh’s 117mn citizens and was ignoring minority rights. 

Despite the protests, Yunus remains scheduled to address the UNGA on September 27, with planned meetings with high-profile leaders, including US President Joe Biden and European Union officials.