Attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh 'baseless propaganda originating from India', says Yunus | WATCH

Muhammad Yunus, the chief advisor of Bangladesh’s interim government, once again downplayed the violence on Hindu minority in his country, calling it a “totally baseless propaganda originating from the Indian side.”

In an interview with Al Jazeera, Yunus was asked about the atrocities against Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh, which was also condemned by the US President-elect Donald Trump, to which he said, “This is mostly propaganda. It is totally baseless propaganda. It is unfortunate.”

“Most of this propaganda originates from the Indian side for whatever reason it may be, to keep this alive probably, but in reality it doesn’t exist,” Yunus further alleged.

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‘Few incidents of violence occurred was political’

The 84-year-old leader, who marked 100 days in office, on Sunday in an address to the nation also said that violence against Hindus had occurred “only in some cases” and most complaints were “completely exaggerated.”

“The main reason for the few incidents of violence that occurred was political,” he said, claiming that there has been an attempt to destabilise Bangladesh by framing these attacks with a religious narrative.

“With the cooperation of all of you, we have firmly handled this situation,” Yunus further said.

He even assured that his government is investigating all reported cases of violence in Bangladesh.

Yunus’ statement came amid ongoing protests by Hindus in Bangladesh who have been demanding protection amid the attacks on temples, deities, homes, businesses and the community.

In Bangladesh’s 17 crore population, Hindus just make up about 8 per cent.

As per reports, there have been more than 2,000 attacks on Hindus since former prime minister Sheikh Hasina fled from Bangladesh on August 5 this year.

Yunus denial & shifting blame

It is, however, not the first time Yunus has downplayed reports of attacks on Hindus in his country. Back in September, in an interview with PTI, he said that the issue is “exaggerated” and alleged that they are more political than communal.

He claimed that the attacks were not communal, but a fallout of a political upheaval as there is a perception that most Hindus supported the now-deposed Awami League regime.

“I have said this to (Prime Minister Narendra) Modi also that this is exaggerated. This issue has several dimensions. When the country went through an upheaval following the atrocities by (Sheikh) Hasina and the Awami League, those who were with them also faced attacks,” he had said.

In his Independence Day address from the ramparts of the iconic Red Fort in Delhi on August 15 this year, PM Modi expressed hope that the situation in Bangladesh would return to normal soon and said 1.4 billion Indians are concerned about the safety of Hindus and minorities in the violence-hit neighbouring nation.

Trump flags attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh

Earlier this month, Trump became the first major US politician to speak up against the atrocities against Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh.

In his Diwali greetings, Trump condemned the attack on Hindus in Bangladesh and Yunus-led administration’s failure to protect the people of the minority community in his country.

Trump, who has been voted to power with a thumping majority in the recently concluded US Presidential election, also promised to protect Hindu Americans against “anti-religion agenda of the radical left” and strengthen relations with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.