Bangladeshi diaspora holds protest against Yunus-led govt amid rising extremism

Ansar Ahmed Ullah
Contributing Editor,Shottobani

London: Bangladeshi diaspora from Europe held protests against the current interim government amid rising extremism. On 7 October, the Bangladeshi diaspora organised a protest event in front of the Broken Chair at the United Nations in Geneva, hosted by the Swiss branch of the International Forum for Secular Bangladesh. The event titled ‘Aftermath of 5 August: Crimes against humanity and blatant human rights abuses’, brought together participants to voice their concern over the troubling political developments in Bangladesh; the protesters gathered in solidarity, chanting slogans in support of the nation’s founding father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, holding banners and pamphlets, they conveyed their messages. They protested against the current government led by Muhammad Yunus.

President of the International Forum for Secular Bangladesh, Rahman Khalilur, stated, ‘As the Bangladeshi diaspora, we stand before the United Nations in Geneva to raise our voices against the Yunus regime, which relies on Islamist extremism; Bangladesh is no longer a country that embodies secularism. It is moving toward extremism and terrorism.’

The protesters were conveying a sense of urgency and alarm regarding the deteriorating situation in Bangladesh under the Yunus Government. Rahman Khalilur said there are reports of brutal killings and torture of writers and human rights defenders. The atmosphere was charged with patriotism as participants sang the country’s national anthem, expressing their deep connection to their country and its leaders.

Nazrul Islam, another organiser, said there is bloodshed and looting happening there. The demonstration by the Bangladeshi diaspora in Geneva reflected their deep hopes for a stable and prosperous Bangladesh, underscoring their desire for accountability and genuine democratic governance. Participants expressed a collective yawning for a country where the rule of law prevails, human rights are respected, and citizens can participate freely in the political process.