Muhammed Yunus says attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh have been “exaggerated”

Bangladesh’s interim government advisor questions India’s concerns about the violent attacks on Hindus in the country.

Bangladesh’s interim government advisor, Muhammed Yunus, questioned the concerns of India over the violent attacks on Hindus in the country. He said that the issue of such attacks on minority Hindus has been “exaggerated.” As reported by PTI, he also noted that the attacks on minorities in Bangladesh are more political than communal.

“Attacks on Hindus exaggerated.”

Chief Adviser to Bangladesh’s interim government, Muhammad Yunus, said that attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh have been exaggerated. In an interview with PTI, Yunus said that the attacks on minorities were part of a political fallout since there was a perception that most Hindus support the now-deposed Awami League government led by Sheikh Hasina. The Nobel laureate said, “I have also said to (Prime Minister Narendra) Modi that this is exaggerated. This issue has several dimensions. When the country went through an upheaval following the atrocities by (Sheikh) Hasina and the Awami League, those who were with them also faced attacks.”

Multiple reports of violence and attacks on Hindus have surfaced.

The statement by Yunus comes after multiple reports of violence and attacks on Hindus have surfaced on media outlets from Bangladesh after the fall of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. As per local media reports, Hindu temples and businesses were vandalized, and two Hindu leaders of the Awami League were killed. Yunus said, “Now while beating up Awami League cadres, they had beaten up Hindus as there is a perception that Hindus in Bangladesh mean Awami League supporters. I am not saying what has happened is right, but some people are using it as an excuse to seize property. So, there is no clear distinction between Awami League supporters and Hindus.”

During his first direct conversation with New Delhi after the formation of the interim government, Yunus conveyed to PM Modi that Bangladesh would prioritize the protection and safety of Hindus and all other minority groups.