Bangladesh’s Chief Advisor and Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus has dismissed recent allegations of violence against the Hindu minority as "exaggerated propaganda" driven by political motives.
His remarks follow weeks of protests by Hindus demanding protection after attacks on homes, businesses, and temples.
Speaking on Sunday, Yunus acknowledged the incidents but linked them to political machinations.
"Violence occurred but was given a communal colour," he said, accusing certain groups of attempting to destabilise the nation.
Hindus, who constitute about 8% of Bangladesh’s 170 million-strong population, held subdued Durga Puja celebrations this year.
While at least 35 untoward incidents were reported during the festival, Yunus highlighted the scale of celebrations.
"Durga Puja was celebrated in almost 32,000 pandals across the country," he remarked, countering claims of widespread targeting.
Contrarily, minority communities have criticised the interim government, alleging inadequate protection.
The Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council, a prominent rights group, reported over 2,000 attacks on Hindus since the ousting of Sheikh Hasina in August.
Despite this, Yunus assured robust security measures, stating, "Massive security arrangements were made to ensure peaceful Durga Puja celebrations."
Police officials reported the arrest of 17 individuals and the filing of 11 cases related to festival disruptions.
International attention and criticism
The ongoing violence has attracted global scrutiny. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi raised the issue during his Independence Day address, urging the restoration of normalcy.
Yunus later assured Modi of his government’s commitment to safeguarding minorities.
The United Nations has also expressed concerns over human rights violations in Bangladesh, while US President Joe Biden confirmed his administration is monitoring the situation. Former President Donald Trump labelled the attacks as "barbaric" in a pre-election statement.
Yunus reiterated his government’s dedication to protecting religious minorities. "We have sought a probe into each and every incident of violence against the Hindu community," he said.
However, critics argue that the assurances have done little to alleviate fears within minority communities, who continue to call for more robust action.
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