Sheikh Hasina supporters chant ‘Go back to Pakistan’ at UN protest targeting Muhammad Yunus; Bangladesh interim leader faces backlash

Tensions surrounding Bangladesh’s political transition spilled onto the global stage as supporters of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina staged a fiery protest outside the United Nations headquarters in New York, targeting interim leader Muhammad Yunus. The demonstrators, many of whom were part of diaspora groups aligned with the Awami League, chanted slogans including “Go back to Pakistan” and “Yunus is a traitor,” accusing the Nobel laureate of undermining Bangladesh’s sovereignty and democratic institutions.

The protest coincided with Yunus’s address at the 80th United Nations General Assembly, where he spoke about youth-led democratic movements and the need for inclusive governance in South Asia. Yunus, who assumed interim leadership after Hasina fled to India in August 2024 following mass student protests, has faced mounting criticism from Hasina loyalists who claim his rise was orchestrated by foreign interests.

“We reject Yunus’s leadership. He has no mandate from the people. He should go back to Pakistan if he wants to speak against Bangladesh,” said one protester, waving a placard that read “Yunus Not Our PM.”

UN Protest Against Muhammad Yunus – Key Details

The protest drew around 300 participants and was monitored by New York Police Department officers. While the demonstration remained largely peaceful, the rhetoric used has sparked concern among human rights observers and UN officials, who warned against hate speech and personal attacks in diplomatic forums.

Yunus, in his speech, did not directly address the protest but emphasized the importance of youth-led change and the role of civil society in rebuilding democratic institutions. “Bangladesh’s future lies in the hands of its young people. We must listen to their voices, not silence them,” he said.

Muhammad Yunus – UNGA Speech Highlights

The backlash against Yunus has intensified in recent weeks, with Hasina supporters accusing him of being “anti-national” and “foreign-backed.” Social media platforms have seen hashtags like #YunusTraitor, #BringBackHasina, and #UNProtest trending across Bangladesh and diaspora communities.

Meanwhile, Yunus’s supporters argue that the protest reflects desperation from a political faction unwilling to accept change. “This is a smear campaign. Yunus is trying to restore democracy. The people who looted Bangladesh for 15 years are now crying foul,” said activist Rafiq Islam, who attended a counter-rally in Dhaka.

Public Sentiment – Social Media Reaction to UN Protest

Political analysts say the protest underscores the deep divisions within Bangladesh’s polity and the challenges facing the interim government. “Yunus is walking a tightrope. He has international legitimacy but lacks grassroots support in some quarters. The Hasina camp is mobilizing aggressively,” said Dr. Meherun Nahar, a South Asia expert at Columbia University.

The Bangladesh government-in-exile led by Yunus has pledged to hold free and fair elections in 2026 and restore constitutional order. However, the path remains fraught with resistance from entrenched political forces and questions over Yunus’s neutrality.

Bangladesh Political Landscape – Post-Hasina Transition

The UN protest has also raised diplomatic concerns, with Indian and US officials reportedly monitoring the situation closely. India, which granted refuge to Hasina, has maintained a cautious stance, while the US has called for “peaceful political discourse and respect for democratic norms.”

As Bangladesh navigates its most volatile transition in decades, the clash between Yunus’s reformist agenda and Hasina’s loyalist resistance is expected to shape the country’s political trajectory well into 2026.

Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available political statements, verified media reports, and social media reactions. It does not constitute political endorsement or legal commentary. All quotes are attributed to public figures and institutions as per coverage. The content is intended for editorial and informational purposes only.