DHAKA, Dec 5 (Alliance News): Bangladesh’s interim leader Muhammad Yunus called on Wednesday for national unity among politicians to counter what he described as “Indian aggression.”
Addressing a gathering of Bangladeshi political parties, Yunus emphasized the importance of setting aside political differences to confront a disinformation campaign he believes threatens the country’s future.
The call for unity comes in the wake of a student-led uprising in August that toppled autocratic premier Sheikh Hasina and ended her 15-year rule.
India, a key supporter of Hasina and her destination in exile, has accused Yunus’ administration of failing to protect minority Hindus, leading to strained relations between the two nations.
“They are undermining our efforts to build a new Bangladesh and are spreading fictitious stories,” Yunus said, alleging that India is disseminating false narratives in specific countries and among influential groups.
He characterized the situation as “a question of our existence” and urged leaders to stand together in the face of what he described as a targeted campaign.
A Nobel Peace Prize laureate, Yunus is leading a caretaker administration tasked with implementing democratic reforms ahead of upcoming elections.
The removal of Hasina led to sporadic attacks on Hindus and other minorities, often based on perceived support for her government.
Yunus’ administration has condemned these attacks but maintains they were politically motivated rather than religiously driven, accusing India of exaggerating their scope and orchestrating a “propaganda campaign.”
The meeting was part of Yunus’ initiative to foster national unity amid the challenging diplomatic climate.
The previous evening, Yunus also met with student leaders. Since Hasina’s removal, multiple street demonstrations have erupted against India, with protests intensifying after Hindu activists tried to storm a Bangladeshi consulate in an Indian city near the border. India has condemned the incident and arrested seven suspects.
