Demand rights as citizens, not as a minority: Yunus

Chief Adviser of the interim government, Muhammad Yunus, on Tuesday urged the Hindu community to assert their constitutional rights as citizens of Bangladesh rather than viewing themselves as a minority. He also vowed to ensure justice by holding accountable those responsible for attacks on the Hindu community.

Yunus made these remarks during a meeting with members of the Hindu community at Dhakeshwari Temple in the capital on Tuesday (August 13).

"We are working to make Bangladesh a place where everyone is part of one family," Yunus said. "There should be no distinction between us as families."

He emphasised the importance of identifying as humans and citizens first, saying, "We should not be seen as Muslims, Hindus, or Buddhists; we should be seen as human beings. Our rights must be guaranteed."

Yunus cautioned against dividing the community by labels, saying, "If you continue to claim, 'I'm X, I'm Z,' we will regress. You should assert that you are a human being, a citizen of Bangladesh, with constitutional rights that must be ensured. This is what you should demand from all governments."

Addressing the degradation of institutions in recent years, Yunus, a Nobel Peace Prize-winning economist, stated, "Our institutions are at the root of our problems. This is why there is unrest. We need to rebuild our institutions."

He further explained, "Justice is universal. The law applies to everyone equally, regardless of religion or caste. No one has the right to discriminate."

Yunus argued that identifying as a minority diverts attention from the core issue. "We must claim our democratic rights, establish freedom of speech, and uphold human rights. This is our primary goal."

He urged the Sanatan religious community to avoid divisions, saying, "If we divide ourselves, conflicts will arise. We must unite under one law and demand our legal rights. The judiciary and police must treat us equally, without bias."

Dr Yunus warned against being drawn into divisive games, asserting, "We are one people with one right. No distinctions can be made between us."

He asked for patience and cooperation, saying, "Help us a little, be patient. Judge us later on what we could or couldn't do. If we fail, hold us accountable."

Earlier, religious leaders of the Hindus raised concerns about the attacks on their community and requested a permanent solution from the interim government. Yunus assured them that justice would be served and the perpetrators would be punished.